Neurobiological foundations of mood
Mood regulation is a neurobiological process involving brain structures such as the amygdala (emotion processing) and the prefrontal cortex (regulation of emotional responses and decision-making). Neurotransmitters like serotonin (often referred to as the "happiness hormone") and dopamine, which is linked to the brain’s reward system, play a key role in mood modulation. A disruption in these systems, often triggered by stress or psychological disorders, can lead to a persistent sense of discomfort, sadness, and apathy.
Dysphoria and neurotransmitter imbalance
Dysphoria, characterised by a consistently disturbed mood, is closely linked to imbalances in these neurotransmitters. Serotonin directly influences well-being and satisfaction, while dopamine affects motivation and the perception of pleasure. Prolonged irregularities in neurotransmitter signalling can reduce emotional resilience, impair stress management, and lower engagement in daily activities.
The influence of circadian rhythms on mood
Circadian rhythms, or the body’s internal clock, regulate sleep cycles, wakefulness, mood, and behaviour, playing a crucial role in mental health. These rhythms are controlled by the suprachiasmatic nucleus in the hypothalamus, which synchronises our internal clock with the day-night cycle based on ambient light. Disruptions such as shift work, jet lag, or stress can desynchronise these rhythms.
Vitamin B6 and saffron in mood regulation
Vitamin B6, essential for the synthesis of serotonin and dopamine, is key to maintaining mood balance, and a deficiency can disrupt this equilibrium. Saffron has also been shown to have positive effects on the serotonergic system and may help alleviate symptoms of dysphoria, enhancing mood and contributing to overall well-being.
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References
Wever, R. A. (1979). The Circadian System of Man: Results of Experiments under Temporal Isolation. Springer.
Panda, S. (2018). The Circadian Code. Penguin Random House.
Bernard, S., Gonze, D., Cajavec, B., Herzel, H., & Kramer, A. (2007). Synchronization-induced rhythmicity of circadian oscillators in the suprachiasmatic nucleus. PLoS Computational Biology, 3(4), e68.
Borbély, A. A., Daan, S., Wirz-Justice, A., & Deboer, T. (2016). The two-process model of sleep regulation: a reappraisal. Journal of Sleep Research, 25(2), 131-143.
INSERM. (2017). Sleep: Shedding Light on Our Nocturnal Activity.
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