Science Buddies: "Ask an Expert"

What chemicals in the body cause the body to naturally become tired at specific times of day, like nighttime for instance. How do these chemicals react with each other when combined. What chemicals in the body cause the body to awaken, and to restore energy to the body?

Hi,

The phenomena you inquired about is called the circadian cycle. This is a complex phenomenon involving lots of different body functions and many chemicals. Here is an overview:
First two Science Buddies project ideas on circadian rhythms

https://www.sciencebuddies.org/science- ... U&from=TSW

https://www.sciencebuddies.org/science- ... p023.shtml

Some of the bibliography references explaining the biochemistry:

http://learn.genetics.utah.edu/content/ ... lockgenes/

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Circadian_rhythm

Here are some general web references that go into more detail on the chemicals and processes involved:

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/bookshelf/b ... part=A1961

http://www.nyas.org/events/Detail.aspx? ... 9d8dae31dd

http://www.aasmnet.org/resources/practi ... rhythm.pdf


The main chemical you are asking about is probably melatonin:

http://www.sleepdex.org/melatonin.htm

But seratonin and other chemicals are also involved:

http://www.teachhealth.com/chemmess.html

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/10622375

I hope this starts answering your question. The topic seems to be a rather large one - a large science fair project could be done exploring what is known about all the chemicals and physiologic systems and cycles involved.

I hope this helps,

Best regards,


Barrett L Tomlinson

Hi scrta626,

Barrett has given you some excellent starting advice. However, I'm also moving your post to the life sciences forum where more of the experts specializing in biology will see it.

Amanda

Hi,

Just to add my two cents--Barrett has posted a fantastic list of links, and undoubtedly this is included, but for your quick reference, the pineal gland in the brain is the producer of melatonin.

Good luck! This is a complex yet interesting subject.

-- Brooke