Which neurotransmitter is linked to feelings of happiness and regulates sleep, appetite, and mood, often used to treat depression?

Serotonin is a key neurotransmitter that plays a crucial role in regulating various functions in the brain. It is best known for its association with mood regulation, often contributing to feelings of happiness and well-being. Low levels of serotonin have been linked to mood disorders, including depression, which is why many antidepressant medications, such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), target the serotonin system to increase its availability in the brain.

In addition to its role in mood, serotonin also influences other essential functions such as sleep and appetite regulation. It contributes to the maintenance of circadian rhythms, affecting sleep patterns, and plays a part in managing appetite and digestive functions, making it vital for overall emotional and physical health.

This multifaceted involvement in regulating mood, sleep, and appetite underscores the importance of serotonin in both psychological and physiological aspects of well-being.