Question

Uncle Mel mentioned having difficulty sleeping. If he was prescribed a medication that targeted serotonin, such as a SSRI (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor), it would also help with sleep. There is another chemical secreted in the brain that causes sleepiness. It is characterized as a hormone rather than a neurotransmitter. Name this hormone.

Answer 1

Melatonin

Step-by-step explanation:

Melatonin is a hormone linked to the circadian cycle, ie, the way the body organizes its functions when we are awake and during sleep. The substance begins to be produced in the pineal gland as day goes on to help the body prepare for sleep. It reaches its maximum level when we are sleeping. As the sun rises and the light returns, the gland reduces the production of melatonin, which signals that it is time to wake up.

Answer 2

The hormone is seretonin.

Step-by-step explanation:

Seretonin is a hormone that is synthesized from the hydroxylation of amino acid tryptophan resulting in the formation of 5-hydroxytryptophan which further undergo de carboxylation to form seretonin.

Seretonin is found in both myentric neuron and seretogenic neuron.Seretonin helps to control mood,desire for food and sleep.

Selective seretonin reuptake inhibitors are used as antidepressent that interfere with the re absorption of seretonin thereby maintaining high level of seretonin in the synapse.