Endorphin – meaning, action, deficiency, excess

Endorphin, the most popular hormone of happiness, is another of the hormones described by experts working with ONSEN® in response to requests from readers of the best blog about sleep.

As with almost any hormone, even the slightest disruption of endorphin levels can result in dysregulation of the entire endocrine system. It is on this system that our biopsychosocial functioning during the day depends, but also the possibility of a comfortable and regenerative sleep at night.
 
That is why it is so important to know not only what an endorphin is, but also how it works. Thanks to this, it is possible to predict the risk of endorphin deficiency or excess, as well as to recognize possible disease symptoms early.

Endorphin, or endogenous morphine, is a specific peptide hormone. Produced mainly in the pituitary gland and the spinal cord, endorphin has a deceptively similar effect to morphine. Thus, endorphins have a euphoric effect on humans.

Endorphins are also called emotion molecules because they affect both feelings and consciousness. They act directly on the receptors of those areas of the brain that are responsible for the control of feelings and pleasure centers. As a result of their stimulation with endorphins, we are able to achieve even a state of ecstasy.

The action of endorphins is noticeable when we laugh or even just think about laughing. However, physical effort, as well as some treatments, such as acupuncture or acupressure, also work on the secretion of endorphins. Endorphins are also increased by eating certain foods, such as hot peppers or chocolate. Above all, however, endorphins are released during orgasm.

The physiological role of endrophins is not yet fully understood. For this reason, the norms of their concentration in the blood have not been defined.

Endorphin is a term for one of the hormones that are part of the endorphin group. The most important endorphins include α-endorphin (alpha endorphin), β-endorphin (beta endorphin) and γ-endorphin (gamma endorphin), which are derivatives of lipotropin, also produced in the pituitary gland.

Although there are at least 20 types of endorphins, their effects are not yet fully understood. We know the most about these three endorphins, which have been shown to act in a manner similar to opioids. This is due to the fact that they are agonists of opioid receptors responsible for euphoric states.

Opioid receptors, which are stimulated by endorphins, bring us into bliss. At the same time, they reduce the feeling of stimuli, especially pain. So endorphins give us a sense of pleasure, but not without any risk. High doses of endorphins are addictive, both mentally and physically.

Endorphin deficiency can be associated with ailments from the pituitary gland, where it is produced, as well as other glands. The most commonly reported cause of endorphin deficiency is simply a lack of happiness.

Persistently low levels of endorphins in the blood are not indicated. The most commonly noted effect of endorphin deficiency is a lowered mood, leading even to depression, as well as recurrent migraines or even fibromyalgia.

Excess endorphins may be related to endocrine ailments. The most common cause of excess endorphins is excessive and intense feeling of happiness.

Persistently high levels of endorphins in the blood are not recommended. The most frequently noted effect of excess endorphins is addiction to them, although they break down relatively quickly.

Mateusz Nesterok, M.Sc., a health and rehabilitation psychologist cooperating with ONSEN®, draws attention to the consequences of excess endorphins. While endorphin is essential in life and plays a positive role, maintaining its optimal level is crucial for good health. Excess endorphin can cause addiction, although in principle it is unlikely.

It indicates that too low an endorphin level is also not a desirable state for humans. Endorphin levels below the norm are responsible for mood deterioration, which is associated with a higher risk of depression and other affective disorders.

As evidenced by the results of scientific research, opioid receptors, which are acted on by endorphins, are involved in inducing and maintaining sleep. Additional use of opioid substances leads to insomnia, which is associated with abnormal sleep architecture. Sleep apnea is also more common in such people, especially in methadone treatment. Therefore, it is important not to try to increase the concentration of endorphins in the blood without clear medical indications.

Maintaining the optimal level of endrophins in the blood is conducive to comfortable, healthy sleep. This, in turn, requires a functional mattress that provides perfect support for the body and spine. Maintaining the physiological curves of the spine during sleep, as well as allowing the body to fully relax, has a beneficial effect on all its systems, including the endocrine system.

ONSEN® offers the Osaka Air mattress, which is the most functional mattress available on the market. It meets the needs of the most demanding consumers, meeting all 10 basic functionalities of the mattress, as well as being a first-class medical device.

All ONSEN® products are subject to a 15-year warranty, as well as a 100-day return program, which minimizes the risk of purchase to zero.

We also encourage you to read the other articles on the best sleep and health blog, as well as the Encyclopedia of Healthy Sleep prepared by the team of ONSEN® specialists.