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Dopamine – meaning, action, deficiency, excess

20 listopada 2022
Dopamine, prolactostatin, reward hormone, hypodopaminergia, hyperdopaminergia, dopamine deficiency, dopamine excess
Dopamine, also known as the reward hormone, is another hormone described by experts collaborating with ONSEN® in response to readers' requests on the best sleep blog.

As with almost every hormone, even the slightest disruption of dopamine levels can result in disruption of the entire hormonal system. Our biopsychosocial functioning during the day, as well as the possibility of having comfortable and restorative sleep at night, depend on this system.

That's why it's so important to know not only what dopamine is, but also what its effects are. This knowledge allows us to anticipate the risks of dopamine deficiency or excess and identify potential symptoms of disorders at an early stage.
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Dopamine – meaning

Dopamine, also known as prolactostatin, is one of the most important hormones belonging to the group of catecholamines. It is released by dopaminergic neurons and synthesized in organ tissues such as the adrenal glands, as well as in the lungs and heart. The action of dopamine varies depending on the specific location it is transported to.
 

The synthesis of dopamine is based on a well-defined metabolic pathway. It is directly produced from levodopa (L-dopa), which is derived from tyrosine (L-tyrosine), synthesized from phenylalanine (L-phenylalanine). Furthermore, dopamine itself serves as a precursor for the synthesis of two other hormones, namely norepinephrine and adrenaline, directly influencing their concentration in the blood.
 
The normal range of dopamine in the blood for adults is below 888 pmol/L. There is no defined minimum concentration of dopamine in the blood, but its deficiency is diagnosed by a physician based on clinical symptoms and individual characteristics.
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Dopamine – action

Dopamine is a neurotransmitter and also a neuromodulator that plays a crucial role in controlling cognitive processes, particularly thinking, memory, and attention. Dopamine is also involved in the regulation of the reward system and motivation. Additionally, dopamine is responsible for alertness and reinforcement as a response to stimuli.

The function of dopamine is also closely related to lactation and even orgasm. This is because dopamine influences increased blood pressure and the secretion of prolactin and gonadotropins, primarily follicle-stimulating hormone and luteinizing hormone. Furthermore, dopamine regulates sodium excretion in urine and controls the gastrointestinal motility.

Moreover, the level of dopamine affects the susceptibility to Parkinson's disease and other types of brain degeneration. It is also observed that dopamine regulates sleep, mood, and even libido. Therefore, it plays a very important role in the human body.
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Dopamine – deficiency

A deficiency of dopamine can be associated with neurological disorders, as it is synthesized within the nervous system. The most commonly observed causes of dopamine deficiency include:
  • degeneration of brain structures, particularly dopamine receptors;
  • hypothyroidism;
  • use of psychoactive substances (drugs), including caffeine and alcohol;
  • imbalanced diet;
  • poor sleep hygiene;
  • chronic stress.
Maintaining a low level of dopamine in the blood is not desirable. The most commonly reported effects of dopamine deficiency include:
  • weight gain;
  • chronic fatigue;
  • reduced libido;
  • Parkinson's disease;
  • fibromyalgia;
  • attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD);
  • restless leg syndrome;
  • burning mouth syndrome;
  • anxiety disorders;
  • mood disorders;
  • sleep disorders.
Dopamine, prolactostatin, reward hormone, hypodopaminergia, hyperdopaminergia, dopamine deficiency, dopamine excess

Dopamine – excess

An excess of dopamine is most commonly associated with disorders of the hormonal system. The most frequently reported causes of dopamine excess include:
  • tumors that produce dopamine;
  • hyperthyroidism;
  • use of psychoactive substances (drugs), particularly cocaine, methamphetamine, and amphetamines;
  • imbalanced diet;
  • improper sleep hygiene.
Sustained high levels of dopamine in the blood are not desirable. The most commonly reported effects of dopamine excess include:
  • weight loss;
  • hypertension;
  • chorea;
  • delusions;
  • hallucinations;
  • psychosis;
  • schizophrenia;
  • mood disorders;
  • sleep disorders.
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Dopamine – sleep comfort

Collaborating with ONSEN®, health psychologist and rehabilitation specialist, Mr. Mateusz Nesterok, highlights the consequences of excessive dopamine levels. While dopamine is essential in life and plays a positive role, maintaining an optimal level is crucial for good health. Excess dopamine can lead to mental disorders, particularly hallucinations and psychoses. An excess of dopamine can also contribute to the development of schizophrenia, depression, and other mood disorders.

He points out that too low dopamine levels are also undesirable. Below-normal dopamine levels can lead to mood disorders and anxiety disorders, and are also a significant factor in the development of Parkinson's disease. Additionally, it is one of the contributing factors to the development of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children, as well as causing insomnia and other sleep disorders.

As scientific research shows, individuals with low dopamine reuptake mechanisms tend to have shorter and poorer-quality sleep. Importantly, abnormal dopamine levels are observed in all sleep-related disorders, demonstrating its significance as one of the key hormones.

Maintaining an optimal level of dopamine in the blood is facilitated by comfortable, healthy sleep. This, in turn, requires a functional mattress that provides proper body support and spinal alignment. Preserving the physiological curves of the spine during sleep and allowing the body to fully relax have a positive effect on all body systems, including the hormonal system.

ONSEN® offers the Osaka Air mattress, which is the most functional mattress available on the market. Its jobs to be done are to meet the users' needs and to effectively solve problems they may have. Thanks to this, it has become a cult product that fulfills all 10 basic mattress functionalities and allows for comfortable and healthy sleep. Moreover, like all ONSEN® products, the mattress is covered by even a 15-year warranty, as well as a program allowing for return within 100 days, minimizing the purchase risk to zero.

We also encourage you to explore other articles on the best sleep and health blog, as well as the Encyclopedia of Healthy Sleep prepared by the ONSEN® team of specialists. For those who care about spine health, we recommend a set of spine exercises prepared by our physiotherapist.
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FAQ: Dopamine

What is dopamine responsible for?

Dopamine is responsible for regulating cognitive processes, as well as the reward system and motivation. It also influences the secretion of other hormones, especially prolactin, gonadotropins, follicle-stimulating hormone, and luteinizing hormone. It is important to remember that dopamine acts as both a neurotransmitter and a neuromodulator, playing crucial roles in the human body.

What are the effects of dopamine deficiency or low levels?

The primary consequence of dopamine deficiency or low levels can be Parkinson's disease. Additionally, dopamine deficiency leads to weight gain and decreased libido. Low dopamine levels can also cause anxiety disorders, mood disorders, and sleep disturbances.

What are the effects of dopamine excess or high levels?

The primary consequence of dopamine excess or high levels can be schizophrenia. Furthermore, high dopamine levels increase blood pressure and often lead to various delusions, hallucinations, and psychoses. Additionally, elevated dopamine levels can cause dyskinesia and other somatic disorders.

How to increase dopamine secretion?

Dopamine secretion can be increased by eliminating the causes that have led to its synthesis disorders. Increasing dopamine levels in the blood can also be achieved through a suitable diet that eliminates sugar and saturated fats while being rich in antioxidants. Additionally, considering the use of substances from which dopamine is synthesized, such as levodopa or acetyl-L-tyrosine, may be beneficial.

How to decrease dopamine secretion?

Dopamine secretion can be decreased by consuming foods rich in saturated fats, although this is not recommended due to their harmful effects. High dopamine levels are often associated with the intake of dietary supplements or medications, as well as the use of drugs. Therefore, to lower dopamine levels in the blood, it is necessary to discontinue or reduce the dosage of these substances. When it comes to medications, it is important to consult this decision with a doctor beforehand.

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