The 21st century is best characterized by the emergence of ultra-modern technology, global trade and business, and the desire to advance and progress. Because of these factors, business corporations compete in a 24-hour-a-day, seven-day-a-week economy. This phenomenon creates a demand for workers who work even late into the night. This schedule changes the lives of the employees and gives them a day to sleep. The changes can disrupt the body's normal functions, disrupt sleep cycles, and lower serotonin levels in the body. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter found in the central nervous system that affects various functions, including mood, sleep, and appetite. This neurotransmitter can also help with cell regeneration.
Research shows that day shift workers have higher levels of a "feel good" hormone called serotonin. Researchers at University of Buenos Aires, led by Dr. Carlos. Studied 683 people, and the compared 437-day workers with 246 shift workers. The results showed that the serotonin levels of shift workers, as to measured by blood tests, were significantly lower than those in the regular day program. In addition to lower serotonin levels, shift workers were found to have higher cholesterol, a higher waist-to-body ratio, increased blood pressure, and the higher triglyceride levels.
Because serotonin levels control sleep patterns and other body functions, a study from the University of Buenos Aires shows that work shifts can lead to what is known as "sleep-shift disorder." People with this disorder wake up when they should be asleep. These people can be very tired when they wake up. This disorder is caused by the routine that occurs during normal sleep. That's why people have trouble sleeping because their bodies are still programmed to wake up. Sleep and wake times differ from those expected by the body's internal clock.
Other studies have found that irregular and nocturnal changes can affect the cardiovascular and metabolic systems. According to researchers from Buenos Aires, this study shows that shift work may be directly responsible for high blood pressure and increased body fat. In addition to disrupting sleep patterns, decreased serotonin levels are also associated with other conditions such as stress, anxiety, and the depression.
Lifestyle changes can increase serotonin levels. In which order to keep serotonin levels in check, sleep patterns must be regular, and the diet must contain the vitamins and minerals necessary to control serotonin levels. Medications and substances such as caffeine, nicotine, alcohol, and antidepressants should be avoided because they can reduce serotonin production.
People who want to increase their serotonin levels can use medications to help them achieve their goals. Taking the amino acid 5-HTP as a supplement increases the body's ability to produce serotonin. Another amino acid called the L-tryptophan is used by the body to produce serotonin. However, patients are advised to obtain permission from their doctor and other health care providers before taking this supplement. People who choose to work at night should get enough rest to relieve any nausea that may occur. A healthy lifestyle and nutritious diet can increase serotonin levels and improve the quality of the life.
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