Serotonin Effects on the Brain, Behavior, Sleep, Depression & More

Serotonin effects on the brain have rightfully earned it the nickname of “the happy neurotransmitter.”

A prominent neurotransmitter, the effects of Serotonin are chemically responsible for maintaining a sense of contentment, pleasure, happiness, and mood balance in the human brain.

When Serotonin levels are good, we feel good! When they’re low, we may feel low or “blue”.

Studies have shown that a lack of Serotonin is evidenced in individuals diagnosed with depression and anxiety disorders. Low Serotonin effects are also connected with other issues that include but are not limited to sexual dysfunction, eating disorders, and sleep disorders, including insomnia.

Serotonin Boosters

Mood Supplements

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How It Works:

• Increases Serotonin levels in the brain
• Enhances mood and alleviates stress
• Improves sleep and regulates appetite

Dosage:

Varies depending on supplement

Safety:

Varies depending on supplement

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Serotonin Effects

Serotonin has different effects on the body, depending on which part of the body it is found in.

Serotonin is formed when the amino acid L-Tryptophan is broken down in the liver by the enzyme Tryptophan hydroxylase. This breakdown process produces 5-Hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP), which is a direct precursor of Serotonin.

Ninety percent of Serotonin in the body is manufactured in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract and is taken up by intestinal cells and blood platelets.

As a hormone in the body, it is involved in various functions including digestion and appetite control, blood coagulation, and sexual functions. The largest Serotonin effect on the GI tract is facilitating peristalsis, which is the rhythmic contraction of the intestines that occurs during digestion.

Only 10% of Serotonin in the body is made in the brain. After the breakdown of Tryptophan, the 5-HTP travels through the bloodstream, crosses the blood-brain barrier, and enters the brain tissue. Once in the brain, the 5-HTP is converted into 5-Hydroxytryptamine (5-HT), more commonly known as Serotonin.

In the brain, Serotonin acts as a neurotransmitter and is involved in regulating mood, controlling behavior sleep cycles, sexual desire, preventing over-excitation of neurons and helping us relax when stressed.

When Serotonin levels are balanced, the mood can be enhanced, sleep can be improved, and stress can be managed. Decreased Serotonin effects include depressed or apathetic mood, anxious thoughts, brain fog, and insomnia/disturbed sleep.

Serotonin effects on sleep are primarily related to the hormone Melatonin. Melatonin is the main hormone that is responsible for maintaining proper circadian rhythm (sleep/wake cycles) in the body. Serotonin in the brain is converted  into Melatonin as the body needs it. In the daytime, production of Melatonin is low. When light levels drop in the evening, Melatonin production increases, helping to prepare the body for sleep.

The Serotonin that is used in the brain as a neurotransmitter has to be manufactured in the brain since this compound cannot cross the blood-brain barrier. Sometimes, levels decrease due to chronic stress, medical conditions, and lifestyle habits.

In these cases, Serotonin boosters such as 5-HTP supplements, which are able to cross the blood-brain barrier, may be used to try and raise levels.

SSRIs for Low Serotonin Effects

Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors, more commonly known as SSRIs, are commonly prescribed by physicians for the treatment of a variety of mood disorders including depression, anxiety, and some phobias.

If you have been experiencing a lack of Serotonin effects, your doctor may discuss SSRIs with you as a treatment option. These drugs block the re-absorption of this neurotransmitter in the brain, increasing the effects of Serotonin when its release is triggered. These drugs are often highly effective, and have been used safely by millions of people.

However, getting the correct SSRI and the proper dosage just right for each individual’s needs can be a long process. Additionally, SSRIs can sometimes cause serious side effects and withdrawal problems. Because of this, some people are interested in alternative methods of raising Serotonin levels.

Natural Alternatives: Sunlight, Exercise, and Supplements

Recently, several studies have shown promising results in raising Serotonin through the use of supplements like 5-HTP or natural interventions such as light exercise and getting more exposure to sunlight. People have used these alternative Serotonin boosters to improve sleep patterns, reduce appetite, and for mild to moderate forms of depression.

For example, many people experience wintertime blues, known as seasonal affective disorder or SAD. This is a mild form of depression that affects nearly 25 million Americans every winter.

SAD is believed to be caused by lack of adequate light due to shorter day cycles which can decrease levels of Serotonin. This can negatively affect mood balance, causing individuals to feel less contentment from their daily lives.

Clinical trials have demonstrated that you can temporarily boost Serotonin levels by getting more sunlight or by sitting within three feet of a 300 watt bulb for approximately 20 minutes, three times a day.

Exercise is also important and a 90 minute walk has been shown to raise Serotonin secretions by over 100%. Adopting a healthy diet that is rich in colorful fruits and vegetables may also help. Opt for foods that contain Tryptophan such as chicken, turkey, wild fish, dairy products, and tofu.

A supplement like 5-HTP may also help to support Serotonin effects in the brain. Unlike Serotonin, which cannot pass through the blood-brain barrier, supplements like 5-HTP can cross the barrier and rapidly boost synthesis of this neurotransmitter in the brain.

All that being said, discuss these options with your doctor and resist the temptation to self-diagnose or self-treat.

Follow Recommended Dosages for Supplements

When taking 5-HTP pills, follow label instructions provided by the manufacturer or directions from your doctor. Increasing Serotonin moderately may be good for your body and brain, but excess amounts can cause problems.

Extremely high levels of Serotonin may cause Serotonin Syndrome, which can be a life-threatening condition marked by hyperactivity of nerve cells.

A safe recommendation for 5-HTP dosing is to take between 200 – 300 mg, divided into 100 mg administrations two to three times a day with meals. This low dose may help reduce any incidents of nausea that can be caused by taking too much at a single sitting.

In addition, be aware of contraindications or conditions which preclude the safe use of 5-HTP. Individuals with heart problems or those taking prescription medications or SSRIs for treatment of depression should not use this supplement. Some of the most common antidepressants, by brand-name, include Celexa, Lexapro, Prozac, Paxil, and Zoloft.

When in doubt, consult your physician or health practitioner regarding the efficacy, dosage, and safety of Serotonin boosting supplements like 5-HTP. You can enhance Serotonin effects in your brain and body with Serotonin-boosting supplements, but do so wisely for optimal health and wellness.

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