Chapter 4: Problem 7
Increases in which of the following hormones cause sleepiness? (A) Cortisol (B) Growth hormone (C) Melatonin (D) Oxytocin
Short Answer
Expert verified
(C) Melatonin
Step by step solution
01
- Understand the Question
Determine which hormone is known to cause sleepiness when its levels increase.
02
- Review Hormones and Their Functions
This step involves recalling the primary functions of each hormone mentioned in the options: (A) Cortisol - Often related to stress and wakefulness.(B) Growth hormone - Primarily involved in growth and cell reproduction.(C) Melatonin - Known for regulating sleep-wake cycles.(D) Oxytocin - Linked to social bonding and reproduction.
03
- Identify the Hormone with Effects on Sleep
Among the options, identify which hormone directly affects sleep. Melatonin is the hormone that increases and induces sleepiness by signaling the body to prepare for sleep.
04
- Select the Correct Answer
Given the analysis, the correct answer is (C) Melatonin.
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Melatonin Function
Melatonin is a hormone produced by the pineal gland in the brain. It's often called the 'sleep hormone' because it plays a key role in regulating sleep-wake cycles. Melatonin levels in the blood rise in response to darkness and fall in the presence of light.
Here are some pivotal functions of melatonin:
By ensuring a dark environment before bed, you can promote natural melatonin production.
Here are some pivotal functions of melatonin:
- **Induces Sleepiness**: When melatonin levels increase, it signals the body that it's time to sleep.
- **Regulates Sleep-Wake Cycles**: It helps synchronize the body's internal clock with the external environment's light-dark cycle.
- **Antioxidant Activity**: Melatonin acts as an antioxidant, protecting cells from damage caused by free radicals.
By ensuring a dark environment before bed, you can promote natural melatonin production.
Sleep-Wake Cycles
The sleep-wake cycle is a daily rhythm that governs our periods of wakefulness and sleep. It is often described as a circadian rhythm, which means it follows a roughly 24-hour cycle.
Key points about sleep-wake cycles include:
Key points about sleep-wake cycles include:
- **Circadian Rhythm**: This internal body clock helps regulate when we feel alert and when we feel sleepy. It is influenced by external cues like light and temperature.
- **Role of Melatonin**: Melatonin is crucial in promoting sleep within this cycle. Its release is triggered by darkness and helps prepare the body for rest.
- **External Influences**: Exposure to bright light, especially blue light from screens, can disrupt the sleep-wake cycle by suppressing melatonin production.
Endocrine System
The endocrine system is a network of glands and organs that produce, store, and release hormones. These hormones are crucial for regulating various bodily functions.
Here are essential aspects of the endocrine system:
Here are essential aspects of the endocrine system:
- **Hormone Regulation**: Hormones control processes like growth, metabolism, and sleep. They act as messengers, sending signals to different parts of the body.
- **Major Glands**: Some key glands in the endocrine system include the pineal gland (melatonin production), the pituitary gland, the thyroid, and the adrenal glands (cortisol production).
- **Sleep and Hormones**: The pineal gland produces melatonin, regulating sleep patterns. Other hormones like cortisol also affect sleep and wakefulness but in different ways.