Serotonin is a neurotransmitter. It is found in the
brain, the central nervous system, and the gastrointestinal track. It helps to regulate
mood, sleep, appetite, and muscle contracts (especially those in the GI tract).
Serotonin is partly responsible for making people feel happy or have a sense of well
being. It is often thought that those who suffer from depression or bipolar disorder
have a serotonin imbalance.
Melatonin is a hormone rather than a
neurotransmitter. It is produced in the pineal gland. This hormone helps regulate
sleep. This hormone is released at night in humans (and other animals awake during the
day) and during the day in nocturnal animals. Although it also plays a role in other
body functions, the main role of melatonin is to regulate the circadian cycle (or our
sleep/wake cycle).
Both serotonin and melatonin are naturally
occurring elements within humans and many other animals. See the links below for more
information.
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