[stylist] off-topic, circadian cycles

[Chris Kuell]

Hi Barbara,

The compound melatonin controls the human circadian sleep cycle. It is 
produced in the pinneal gland in the brain, and it's production is triggered 
through the reception of light in the eyes during the normal course of 
day/night. Many totally blind people have irregular or no melatonin 
production, depending on their eye condition and whether or not the rods and 
cones in the retina are picking up any light, and hence suffer insomnia or 
irregular sleep patterns. A lack of melatonin is also associated with mild 
depression.

A few years after I lost my sight a friend, who happens to be a 
psychiatrist, told me about this phenomena. I've been taking a melatonin 
supplement ever since and my sleep patterns, while not perfect, are much 
better than they were.

chris