Question

can someone explain to me how seretonin helps the brain in sleep.

Thank you for using the Jiskha Homework Help Forum. Here is a site about the nervous system:

1. (Broken Link Removed)

2. http://neurologicalillness.suite101.com/blog.cfm/migraines_and_seretonin_connection (about migraines)

3. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Serotonin (is this what you mean?)

Main Entry: se·ro·to·nin
Pronunciation: "sir-&-'tO-n&n, "ser-
Function: noun
Etymology: sero- + tonic + [1]-in
Date: 1948
: a phenolic amine neurotransmitter C10H12N2O that is a powerful vasoconstrictor and is found especially in the brain, blood serum, and gastric mucosa of mammals


P.S. Here is a derivative often suggested to help sleep:

Main Entry: mel·a·to·nin
Pronunciation: "me-l&-'tO-n&n
Function: noun
Etymology: Greek melas black + -tonin (as in serotonin)
Date: 1958
: a vertebrate hormone derived from serotonin and secreted by the pineal gland especially in response to darkness


thanks. this helps

Briefly, serotonin is a neurotransmitter, which sends messages between nerve cells and causes feelings of sleepiness.