This article is about how these two neurotransmitters influence our psyche and are related to depression.
Serotonin
The neurotransmitter serotonin plays an important role in the development and maintenance of depression. Just like melatonin, it not only influences our sleep, but also our impulse control – which is essential for initiating well-considered actions that are not simply carried out “on impulse”. When we have too little serotonin in our bodies, we experience sleep disturbances and increased impulsivity. In cases of severe depression, this can also increase the urge to take one’s own life, as well as the urge to ruminate.
But serotonin also influences many other areas, such as our eating habits, anxiety, libido and even nausea. As you can see, the balance of a single neurotransmitter can be the trigger for reduced well-being. For this reason, medications that aim to redirect serotonin levels back on track, such as SSRIs (serotonin reuptake inhibitors), are sometimes prescribed for depression. In addition, there are also non-medicinal ways to influence serotonin activity that can be effective in mild depression, such as proper nutrition or exercise and sport. However, this does not mean that these measures will work for everyone who suffers from depression – there are very different causes of depression, which should always be clarified with a specialist. Only with this knowledge can the right treatment approach be chosen.
Melatonin
The same applies to the hormone melatonin, which is produced in our diencephalon from serotonin and controls our day-night rhythm, i.e. our internal clock.
Like serotonin, melatonin also influences our sleep. The exact link between melatonin and depression is not yet fully understood. However, we do know that sleep problems occur when too little melatonin is produced. Melatonin signals to our body that it is dark and that our body can initiate sleep. Some patients with sleep problems are given artificial melatonin in addition to, but this is not usually effective for sleep problems associated with depression. If you would like to learn more about the biochemical processes in your body and find out how you can influence them, try our edupression psychoeducation programme
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