Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 6, 2025
10:16
Human Circadian Phenotyping and Diurnal Performance Testing in the Real World
Published on: April 7, 2020
8.4K
Relationship between salivary melatonin and interoceptive awareness.
1Department of Cognitive and Psychological Sciences, Graduate School of Informatics, Nagoya University, Nagoya, Japan.
Neuro Endocrinology Letters
|November 28, 2024
Summary
Higher salivary melatonin levels correlate with lower interoceptive awareness, suggesting reduced awareness of bodily sensations and emotions. This finding impacts understanding of the mind-body connection and hormonal influences on perception.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Psychology
- Endocrinology
Background:
- Interoceptive awareness is crucial for emotional regulation and self-awareness.
- Melatonin, a hormone regulating sleep-wake cycles, may influence cognitive and emotional processes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between salivary melatonin concentrations and interoceptive awareness in adults.
- To explore how melatonin levels relate to different facets of interoceptive awareness.
Main Methods:
- Recruited 75 participants aged 18-55 years.
- Measured salivary melatonin using enzyme immunoassay.
- Assessed interoceptive awareness with the Multidimensional Assessment of Interoceptive Awareness (MAIA) scale.
Main Results:
- Salivary melatonin levels showed a negative correlation with total interoceptive awareness scores.
- Negative correlations were observed with noticing, attention regulation, emotional awareness, self-regulation, body listening, and trust.
- A positive correlation was found with not-distracting, while no correlation was found with not-worrying.
Conclusions:
- Elevated melatonin levels are linked to diminished awareness of bodily and emotional states.
- Individuals with high melatonin may struggle with attention and emotional regulation but exhibit a calm demeanor.
- Findings suggest a potential role for melatonin in modulating interoceptive processing and emotional experience.
Related Concept Videos
01:02The Pineal Gland
1.6K
The pineal gland, a diminutive endocrine structure named for its pinecone-shaped appearance, is situated atop the third ventricle within the diencephalon region of the forebrain. This gland, composed of secretory cells known as pinealocytes arranged in compact cords and clusters around dense particles of calcium salts, plays a pivotal role in hormonal regulation.
The primary secretion of the pineal gland is the hormone melatonin, derived from serotonin. The concentration of melatonin in the...
The primary secretion of the pineal gland is the hormone melatonin, derived from serotonin. The concentration of melatonin in the...
1.6K
01:19Management of Insomnia
231
The sleep cycle, an integral part of human health, consists of several stages with distinct characteristics and functions. It begins with a transition from wakefulness to sleep, known as the light sleep phase, followed by the restorative deep sleep phase, essential for physical recovery and growth. The cycle concludes with the Rapid Eye Movement (REM) phase, characterized by high brain activity and vivid dreaming. Insomnia, a prevalent sleep disorder, involves difficulty falling asleep, staying...
231
01:37Neural Regulation
39.1K
Digestion begins with a cephalic phase that prepares the digestive system to receive food. When our brain processes visual or olfactory information about food, it triggers impulses in the cranial nerves innervating the salivary glands and stomach to prepare for food.
39.1K
01:24Sleep-Wake Cycles
1.2K
Sleep is an essential physiological process vital to maintaining overall well-being. The reticular activating system (RAS), a network of neurons in the brainstem, regulates wakefulness and sleep. While it may seem passive, sleep consists of distinct cycles, each with its unique characteristics and functions. Two key sleep phases are non-rapid eye movement (NREM) and rapid eye movement (REM).
NREM Sleep
NREM sleep comprises four progressive stages that seamlessly merge:
NREM Sleep
NREM sleep comprises four progressive stages that seamlessly merge:
1.2K
01:11Understanding Sleep
219
Sleep, an essential biological state, involves significant reductions in physical activity, sensory awareness, and interaction with the environment. This complex physiological process is primarily regulated by specific brain regions, notably the hypothalamus and pons, which govern the sleep-wake cycle or circadian rhythm.
The circadian rhythm, a nearly 24-hour cycle, is deeply influenced by environmental light cues. Light exposure directly affects the hypothalamus, which in turn regulates...
The circadian rhythm, a nearly 24-hour cycle, is deeply influenced by environmental light cues. Light exposure directly affects the hypothalamus, which in turn regulates...
219
01:23Salivary Glands and Saliva
469
The salivary glands, of which there are three pairs known as the parotid, submandibular, and sublingual glands, play a crucial role in maintaining oral health and initiating the digestive process. Positioned near the ears, beneath the masseter muscle, the parotid glands secrete saliva into the oral cavity through the parotid duct of Stensen. Meanwhile, the submandibular glands, located on the floor of the mouth, secrete saliva through channels named submandibular ducts. The sublingual glands,...
469