The pineal gland is a small gland shaped like a pea in the brain, which plays an important role in many of the body's functions, yet scientists have not been able to unlock all of its secrets.

The pineal gland secretes the hormone melatonin, and is believed to have a role in mood and psychological state.

Melatonin plays an important role in regulating the sleep cycle in humans, so some call it the sleep hormone, but this designation is not completely accurate, it only indicates its relationship to sleep.

And when melatonin is excreted at night, it helps the brain know that it is time to sleep, while the body stops the hormone secretion at dawn to help the body wake up.

The natural melatonin hormone, which is produced by the body at night, helps the brain distinguish between morning and evening times, regulate sleep cycles and link them to the timing system we live in.

High levels of melatonin lead to deep sleep. The secretion of this hormone is related to time, as follows:

  • Its secretion rises in the evening.
  • It drops in the morning.
  • Exposure to light in the night stops its secretion.

Melatonin is known as the "body clock hormone" and is secreted after the brain converts tryptophan to serotonin, and then to melatonin.

Here we present to you the most prominent roles that the pineal gland plays:

1- Sleep

If you have a sleep disorder, it may be a sign that the pineal gland is not producing the right amount of the hormone melatonin.

2- Cardiovascular health

According to studies, melatonin produced by the pineal gland may have a positive effect on heart health and blood pressure.

3- Female hormones

Some studies indicate that exposure to light and melatonin levels may have an effect on a woman's menstrual cycle. Low amounts of melatonin may also play a role in developing irregular menstrual cycles.

4- Mood

The size of the pineal gland may indicate a risk of certain mood disorders. A study also found that a decrease in the size of the pineal gland may increase the risk of schizophrenia and mood disorders.

5- Cancer

Some research suggests that there may be an association between poor function of the pineal gland and the risk of developing cancer. A recent study in mice found evidence that reducing the pineal gland function - through excessive exposure to light - led to cell damage and an increased risk of colon cancer.

Pineal gland problems

If the pineal gland is weak, it may lead to hormonal imbalance, which may affect other systems in the body.

Also, if the pineal gland tumor occurs, it may affect many other things in the body.

Among the early symptoms of a pineal gland tumor:

  • Seizures seizures
  • Memory disorder
  • Headache
  • Nausea
  • Problems with vision and other senses

Calcifications of the pineal gland

Calcifications may occur in the pineal gland, which can impair its ability to produce melatonin. Although it is not entirely clear what the effects of these calcifications will be, they may have a role in certain types of dementia in the elderly.

It is also not clear whether calcification of the pineal gland causes symptoms at all, but possible symptoms may include insomnia and migraine attacks.

If you suspect a weakness in the pineal gland, or have some of the above symptoms, consult a doctor.

Social factors and physical activity affect the secretion of melatonin, and doctors point to a role that exposure to lighting at night, such as television screens, computers, and smartphones, can cause sleep disturbances and insomnia.

Doctors say that this lighting simulates daylight and affects the secretion and reduction of melatonin, and therefore the body thinks that the time is still day and the time to sleep has not yet come.

There are several factors that play a role in sleep disturbances, but it is therefore recommended:

  • Stop using the illuminated screens half an hour to an hour before bedtime.
  • Reducing exposure to illuminated screens generally.
  • Make an appointment for bed.
  • Reducing caffeine intake.
  • Eating a variety of foods before bed may boost melatonin production, most notably pineapple, cherry, banana, orange, barley, tomato, and oatmeal.