Ever thought about regular massage to help regulate sleep?
Insomnia, linked to low levels of serotonin, also known as 5-hydroxytryptamine is a hormone in the pineal gland, the digestive tract, the central nervous system, and in blood platelets. Serotonin plays an important part in the regulation of learning, mood, sleep and vasoconstriction (constriction of blood vessels) and research suggests that it may also play a part in feelings of anxiety and depression. Derived from the amino acid tryptophan, serotonin can also be converted by the brain into melatonin. Melatonin is a hormone that is released by the pineal gland and it helps our body clock to regulate the sleep cycle of our circadian rhythm.
So if we give the brain more serotonin to work with and to convert to melatonin which is needed to maintain our natural cycles of wake and sleep, then we can do our bit to increase the quality of our sleep.
Did you know that serotonin levels also alter with the seasons?
Serotonin transporter protein, a brain chemical that lowers serotonin levels around brain cells, is more active during the winter months – meaning that serotonin levels are lower. So it could explain why some people feel less than fantastic and a little bit miserable during winter months and crave the breaking of spring.
The good news is, that spring has sprung, and while our bodies are quietly doing their own thing adjusting to the new season and changing weather patterns, now is the time for you to do everything you can to get you feeling ready for the season ahead.
One amazingly natural way to raise your levels of serotonin is massage!
Yep among a host of other health increasing benefits, massage directly influences the levels or serotonin in the body. By booking yourself in for a regular massage you will be greatly increasing your levels or serotonin and by doing so increase your production of melatonin, and by doing that assist your body in maintaining the rhythm you need to sleep well and enjoy the sunshine of spring. So, regular massages will give your body a supercharge of serotonin which might just help you find that regular good night’s sleep that you have been craving for so long and without the nasty side effects of sleeping pills, prescription meds and alcohol. Not to mention relieving any aches and pains that have been adding to you discomfort and feelings of the winter blues.
Oh and speaking of sunshine, the sun is another way to increase your levels of serotonin! Give yourself a head start on feeling great and sleeping well by enjoying regular massage so you have the energy to enjoy life, enjoy spring and enjoy the sunshine.
Written by Todd Higgs-Patterson
For more information on Massage at Kundalini House click here
Ref: https://www.healthambition.com/foods-boost-serotonin/
http://www.integrativehealthcare.org/mt/archives/2005/08/insomnia_seroto.html http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/232248.php https://www.nigms.nih.gov/education/pages/factsheet_circadianrhythms.aspx
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