The Hypothalamus Research Paper

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Recommended: Review related literature on sleep deprivation

Maria Diaz
Research Paper
Sleep, Consciousness and Dreams – The Hypothalamus
Our consciousness is the awareness of everything that is going on around us at any given moment, and our altered state of consciousness is when there is a “shift in the quality or pattern of our mental activity” as compared to our “walking consciousness”, which can be altered by certain things like “drugs, alcohol, or a sickness” (Hormones of the Hypothalamus." Hormones of the Hypothalamus).
The Hypothalamus along with the pons is responsible for this tiny section of the brain that influences sleep, wake up rhythms, and these states of consciousness by telling the pineal gland to secrete a certain hormone called melatonin. “Melatonin is a hormone that helps control …show more content…

Typically these sleep disorders do not just appear on their own, but develop over time because of other “health implication like hormones, mood/emotions, and weight,” (How Can the Hypothalamic-pituitary Axis Control so Many Body Functions). Now with so much scientific research and founding done in this area, the hypothalamus, has been recognized as a “key figure” that needs to be “targeted during therapeutic advances” that rely on the “neurotransmitter system to secrete and direct hormones like adenosine, dopamine, GABA, histamine and hypocretin (Orexin),” into the Automated Nervous System …show more content…

But, regardless many young adults and children do not get the hours of sleep needed causing one of many sleep disorders mentioned in the paragraph above. Lack of sleep can not only affect your sleeping patterns, but also the way you learn and memorize, “metabolism and weight”, “cardiovascular health, and the body’s immune system” that helps fight off cancerous cells (Mignot).
Works Cited
"Melatonin for Sleep: Hormone and Supplement Effects on Sleep." WebMD. WebMD, 2014. Web. 13 Dec. 2014.
Czeisler, Charles A., Dr. "Melatonin and Sleep." Melatonin Dosage & Sleep. National Sleep Foundation, 2014. Web. 15 Dec. 2014.
"Stages of Sleep: REM and Non-REM Sleep Cycles." WebMD. WebMD, 2014. Web. 13 Dec. 2014.
Mignot, Emmanuel, Shahrad Taheri, and Seiji Nishino. "Sleeping with the Hypothalamus: Emerging Therapeutic Targets for Sleep Disorders." Nature.com. Nature Publishing Group, n.d. Web. 15 Dec. 2014.
"Hormones of the Hypothalamus." Hormones of the Hypothalamus. Kimball's Biology Pages, 6 Dec. 2013. Web. 15 Dec.

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