Why do we Sleep? & Our Sleep Hormone: Melatonin

TEDx Talk

Russell Foster: Why do we sleep?

http://www.ted.com/talks/russell_foster_why_do_we_sleep?language=en#t-

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Questions to keep in Mind….• How has our idea of sleep changed over time? (think about the reference he uses from Shakespeares time to the 2oth century)

• What are Foster’s 3 Main Ideas about why we sleep??

• What are the 3 types of sleep deprivation that Foster talks about?

• What are the 4 major repercussions of sleep deprivation?

• “Sleep for Dummies” – What should you do to your sleep environment to enhance your sleep level and quality?

• Describe the link between… Mental Health, Mental Illness and Sleep Deprivation

What is Melatonin?? • https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=prNg7c

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Our bodies can receive melatonin in two forms

1. Naturally 2. Dietary Supplement

Natural Forms of Melatonin

1. 1. Our Bodies Natural Clock

2. Our bodies determine how much melatonin we produce and when we release/suppress that hormone in order to control our sleep/wake cycle.

Typically Melatonin is released from our Pineal Gland come night fall, levels remain high throughout the night and then drop off come morning.

Natural Forms of Melatonin

1.2. Food 2. Melatonin can be found in a variety

of food such as:

3. 1. Cherries

4. 2. Almonds

5. 3. Raspberries

6. Orange Bell Peppers

7. Walnuts

8. Goji berries and more

Melatonin as a Dietary Supplement

Why use Melatonin as a supplement?? (list 5)

• Jet Lag • Sleep Disorders

(Insomnia) • Circadian Rhythm

Disorders • Circadian Rhythm

Disruption• Seasonal Affective

Disorder• Help control Sleep

Schedules/Patterns – ex. Shift workers

• Post surgery recovery • Recovery for other

health and mental conditions

Melatonin Project What affects your sleep and the release of sleep hormones?

1. In pairs, choose one of the topics listed on the outlineor you have the option to propose a topic (you must check with me first)

2. Research your topic and create a Powerpoint, Prezi or Video Presentation that includes the following: • Intro to the topic • Full Descriptions• Effects of your topic on Sleep, Body Clock, Melatonin, And more. • Any other interesting facts about your topic that relates to sleep

• Be CREATIVE! add pictures, diagrams, colours and more!