Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that heps to regulate many functions in the body. Serotonin is the chemical that helps you to feel refreshed after a good night's sleep. Having low levels of serotonin can lead to chronic symptoms and disease. Below is an overview of the conditions that can occur when the levels of this chemical are too low.
General Physical Symptoms
If your levels of serotonin are low, you may feel fatigued even though you are getting adequate rest and sleep. Your sleep cycles may be disrupted, and you may experience headaches, loss of appetite and weight loss.
General Psychological Symptoms
Having a low serotonin level may cause you to feel depressed and irritable. You may be prone to unexplained emotional outbursts and a tendency to dwell on the negative. Your ability to learn and remember details may be affected.
Fibromyalgia
Low levels of serotonin have been linked to fibromyalgia. Fibromyalgia is a complex condition with many symptoms. The ones realted to low serotonin are fatigue, memory loss and depression.
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) is another medical condition that has been linked to low serotonin levels. If you have CFS, you will have trouble sleeping, low pain threshold and depression. Medications to boost serotonin levels can help.
Heart Disease
Along with all of the above, low serotonin levels have been linked to heart disease. A psychologist at Duke University found that when patents with low serotonin levels were exposed to stress, the immune system released chemicals that are known to contribute to heart disease.
Other Complications
Having low serotonin levels may also contribute to Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, Parkinson's disease, unusual aggressive behavior in social situations and a tendency to have self harmful behaviors.
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