Explanations on a very simple phenon

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Sleepiness is biologically linked to the pineal gland, which regulates the circadian cycle through the production of serotonin and melatonin. This gland, often referred to as the "third eye," has evolved to be located deep in the brain, near the hypothalamus, and receives light signals from the eyes. The production of melatonin from serotonin is crucial for sleep regulation, and disruptions can lead to an overproduction of serotonin without conversion to melatonin. Additionally, LSD is noted to act as a serotonin antagonist, potentially affecting the pineal gland's function. Understanding these mechanisms provides insight into the biological basis of sleepiness.
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How can you explain biologically why we are sleepy ? I find even people who have normal sleep order also feel sleepy often...
 
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sleep is an interesting thing...there is an organ deep in the brain called the pineal gland, the ancients called it the "3rd eye", and in lower vertebrate it actually is a functioning light-receptor (by passing light through an opening). Our no longer receives light directly, and has migrated deep in the brain near the hypothalmus. In humans it is linked in the optic chiasm and receives signals from the eyes. It has been determined that the circadian cycle of sleep is determined by this gland and it's production of serotonin.

It is also believed that LSD acts directly on cells of this organ. Descartes called it the "seat of consciousness".
 
quetzalcoatl9 said:
It has been determined that the circadian cycle of sleep is determined by this gland and it's production of serotonin.
Melatonin.
 
hitssquad said:
Melatonin.

the pineal makes serotonin, then serotonin gets made into melatonin which then gets released from the pineal gland. the pineal can make an overproduction of serotonin, which does not get converted into melatonin.

LSD is a serotonin antagonist.
 

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