Interaction between Melatonin, Sleepiness-Alertness and Body Temperature

Abstract

Circadian rhythms confer a biological clock of all living beings, comprising oscillations in a range of physiological variables, including body temperature and melatonin, that regulate the sleep/wake cycle rhythmically. Both variables have been marked to influence the sleep/wake cycle; even so, the interrelationship among the triad (body temperature, melatonin & sleepiness/alertness) is still unknown. The current literature review is envisioned to examine the contemporary details regarding the interaction between melatonin, body temperature, and sleepiness/alertness. All the included information is procured from the latest review articles, systematic & meta-analytical literature reviews, and original research reports. Findings revealed that melatonin and body temperature collectively contribute to the formation of sleep. An increase in melatonin induces fluctuations in body temperature. Both physiologic variables serve as close indicators of sleepiness/alertness. However, modulating factors such as light, environmental temperature, and timing of melatonin administration (with the circadian clock) may impact the overall outcomes. A significant number of studies are required to infer the underlying processes by which these factors influence the circadian clock.