[stylist] off-topic, circadian cycles

[Barbara Hammel]

But I think one's system can just be off just because that's the way one was 
made.  I understand what you're saying and it does seem to hold true.  I 
know since I lost what little vision I had, I seem tired all the time 
because I don't see the sun to make me feel alert.
But some people just seem to be off.  I'm a bit like Bridget in that I'd 
love to be able to stay up later and get up later because I've always found 
night time such an enchanting time for thinking and writing.
Barbara




Let every nation know whether it wishes us well or ill, that we shall pay 
any price, bear any burden, meet any hardship, support any friend, oppose 
any foe, in order to assure the survival and the success of liberty.--John 
F. Kennedy
-----Original Message----- 
From: Chris Kuell
Sent: Thursday, September 29, 2011 5:19 AM
To: Writer's Division Mailing List
Subject: [stylist] off-topic, circadian cycles

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



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