Health Review: All about sleep

Our sleep is controlled by a gland called Pineal gland. This gland in the presence of light produces an hormone call Melatonin, melatonin secreted at night aids our sleep. It sends a signal to the brain alerting it that it's night time and we should sleep. This is referred to as circadian rhythm.

If this is so why then do we have difficulty sleeping at night or taking a nap during the day?

   The secretion of melatonin during daylight hours is low, and high during dark periods.
During the day the pineal gland is just producing melatonin, thus its secretion is low.
    At night certain factors maybe responsible for our lack of sleep:
        Lack of exposure to natural light during the day
        Stress
        Nutrient deficiency and most importantly,
        Exposure to light at night.

Many of us are guilty of watching late night movies or sleeping with lights on, this action disrupts the natural order and activity of the pineal gland... Instead of secreting melatonin to help you sleep, It rather produces.

If you must take a nap in daylight or sleep at night with lights on try to wear sleep mask to cut off your exposure to light. It's also important to avoid late night movies.
Remember to consult your doctor for further counselling.

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