The Mechanism of Sleep and Wakefulness: The Relationship Between the Hormone Orexin and Sleepiness

Let's talk about the hormonal mechanisms of sleep.

 

1. Eat, sleep, affected by orexin

~Hormones involved in sleep and wakefulness~

You've probably felt sleepy after eating a lot.

Conversely, you're wide awake when you're hungry or when your internal clock tells you it's morning.

This involves,

and many other mechanisms.

 

●Orexin, a hormone deeply involved in sleep

With the advancement of medical research, the hormone "orexin" secreted from the hypothalamus was discovered.

Its name comes from the Greek word (orexis) meaning appetite.

Later, it was found to play an important role in sleep and wakefulness.

As shown in the figure, orexin sends commands to a wide range of areas.

Then, the organs (receptors) that receive these commands become alert and awake and perform various tasks properly.

In other words, you could say it proactively contributes to society.

This is because in Japanese, it becomes "ore, kishin" (I, contribution).

 

2. Hunger and excitement lead to wakefulness

~Three factors that promote wakefulness~

There are three major factors that activate orexin.

When these stimuli are received, orexin secretion increases, maintaining a state of wakefulness.
In other words, when orexin is present, the brain wakes up and can be active.

Conversely, if its action is weak, you cannot maintain a state of wakefulness and fall asleep.

Related to this, a disease called narcolepsy, where one suddenly falls asleep, is also observed.

 

3. Blocking receptors leads to good sleep

~Mechanism of sleep medication~

For orexin to work, it must bind to a site called the orexin receptor.

This mechanism is utilized to block orexin receptors in advance with medication.

This suppresses the excited state of wakefulness and brings about sleep.

Suvorexant is an orexin receptor antagonist, prescribed under the name "Belsomra."

Belsomra means "beautiful sleep," derived from belle (beautiful) + som (sleep).

In French, sleep is sommeil, and to sleep is sommeiller.

 

Two types of sleeping pills with different mechanisms

In the previous and current discussions, we have outlined melatonin receptor agonists and orexin receptor antagonists.

The key points are summarized below.

After fully understanding these, medication can be taken if necessary.

 

4. Sleep well and feel energized for tomorrow ~What you can do before taking medication~

Please refer to the following as the order in which you should consider obtaining good sleep.

 

①Regular lifestyle habits

②Maintaining appropriate physical and mental state for each individual

③Utilizing "sound medicine" effectively with music

④Medication if necessary

​

The proverb "Good fortune comes to those who wait" (Sleep and wait for good luck) is famous, isn't it?

I pray that your sound sleep every night will lead to a good life (daily life, existence, life).

 

 

Recommended videos and music for this time

"Brain Stress Relief Healing ~Sedation and Stress Relief through Alpha Wave Activation~"

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Tap the image to listen on YouTube ♪

 

Click here to listen on other services ♪

https://lnk.to/ld5Lw68l41

 

Restore mental and physical balance with the effect of alpha wave activation and relieve brain stress from tiring daily life.

It can be used in various situations such as meditation, yoga, relaxation time, and before sleep.
Enjoy a comfortable musical experience for "healing" according to your lifestyle.

 

 

 

 Recommended CD

"Good Sleep Frequency Solfeggio Piano Collection (5-CD Set)"

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Let's balance your mind and body with the trending Solfeggio frequencies, which bring comfort and have beneficial effects on your physical and mental well-being.

This 5-CD set of piano works allows you to easily enjoy Solfeggio frequencies, supervised by Dr. Haruhisa Wago, a doctor of physical therapy and a leading authority in music therapy, who has published numerous books and supervised CDs. Each album booklet includes commentary by Dr. Haruhisa Wago!


"Solfeggio Piano 174Hz"
A work rich in the 174Hz Solfeggio frequency, which stabilizes the mind.

"Solfeggio Piano 396Hz"
A work rich in the 396Hz Solfeggio frequency, which fosters the will to live by "releasing fear and trauma."

"Solfeggio Piano 528Hz"
A work rich in the 528Hz Solfeggio frequency, also known as the "love frequency" or "miracle frequency."

"Solfeggio Piano 639Hz"
A work rich in the 639Hz Solfeggio frequency, a harmonious frequency that promotes human connection.

"Solfeggio Piano 963Hz"
A work rich in the 963Hz Solfeggio frequency, which activates the brain.

 

 Featured Artists: Debussy / J.S. Bach / Dvořák / Satie / Bizet / Johann Strauss / Mozart / Elgar / Beethoven / Liszt / Holst / Schumann / Tchaikovsky / Chopin / Handel / Massenet / Saint-Saëns / Schubert / Mendelssohn / Ravel / Mascagni / Handel / Brahms / Fauré / Vivaldi / Pachelbel / Bądarzewska / Puccini / Smetana / Offenbach / Suppé / Sarasate

For more details on works and tracklist, please click here.

 

 

【Top Specialist Profile】

Hiroshi Bando

Doctor of Medicine
Shikoku Branch Manager, Japanese Society of Integrative Medicine

Representative, Tokushima Carbohydrate Restriction Research Group
​
Graduated from Tokushima University, obtained ECFMG certification, and completed clinical training in family medicine in the USA. Specialized fields include anti-aging, carbohydrate restriction, music therapy, and sports medicine. Participated in the National Sports Festival as an ice skater (1999-2003). Chairman of the 9th Japan Music Therapy Society Conference (2009). Silver medalist at the 3rd European International Piano Competition (EIPIC) in Japan (2012). Chairman of the Japan Primary Care Association Conference (2017, Takamatsu).
Editor-in-Chief of 4 English medical journals related to diabetes (2020). Authored over 30 books, over 2,000 publications, and over 300 English papers. Representative of "Shinro Hito no Kai" (New Elders Association) in Tokushima.
​
Official website: https://pianomed.org/