The pineal gland secretes melatonin, the hormone responsible for regulating the sleep-wake rhythm. It is therefore very important.

What is the pineal gland?

The pineal gland (or epiphysis) is a small gland located deep in the center of the brain. The name comes from its characteristic pine cone shape. To meditation practitioners it is known as the "third eye", the seat of spirituality and balance.

We now know that this gland secretes melatonin, a hormone derived from the neurotransmitter serotonin. It is very important in regulating the body's internal clock.

As you probably know, the brain is composed of two distinct hemispheres connected by fibers. The pineal gland is located exactly center, between the two hemispheres. Its specialized cells are called pinealalocytes. They are responsible for producing melatonin.

Pineal gland and circadian rhythms

The pineal gland is the body's internal clock as it regulates circadian rhythm, or sleep/wake rhythms. It also regulates signs of fatigue and lack of clarity. Melatonin is the hormone responsible for regulating circadian rhythms. Its production depends on the amount of light an individual is exposed to. Higher amounts of melatonin are released in low light conditions to promote sleep. In cases of altered sleep/wake rhythms or jet lag syndrome (i.e. the syndrome caused by a change of geographical location), melatonin-based dietary supplements can be taken to restore the lost balance.

Scientific research shows, however, that the link between melatonin and sleep may not be so simple. According to some studies, removing the pineal gland in mice would not affect normal activity levels when the animal is exposed to the natural light-dark cycle.

The role of this gland can therefore vary greatly between different animals.

Pineal gland roles:

Bone metabolism: Research in mice has suggested that changes in pineal gland function may affect bone metabolism.

Post-menopausal women are significantly more vulnerable to osteoporosis. This may seem to be because the efficiency of the pineal gland tends to decline with age.

The same study shows that melatonin supplements could help increase bone mass, acting as a shield against postmenopausal osteoporosis.

Mental well-being: Sleep and mental well-being are inextricably linked. Sleep deprivation can cause or aggravate certain disorders.

Conversely, some psychological disorders can also, make it difficult to rest. Some of these disorders have been linked to exposure to light.

For example, seasonal affective disorder is a form of depression that affects a person's mood and tends to occur when light levels are low (fall-winter). This may be due to sensitive changes in melatonin secretion.

Pituitary gland function:

•  The pituitary gland (or pituitary gland) is a gland located at the base of the brain, closely linked to the hypothalamus, connected to a wide range of hormonal functions, including growth and thyroid function.

Scientific research shows that the pineal gland can alter the behavior of the pituitary gland: melatonin can condition the pituitary gland in the secretion of hormones that play a key role in the development of ovaries and testicles and regulate functions such as the female menstrual cycle.

Ageing: As we get older, the pineal gland tends to secrete smaller amounts of melatonin.

It is unlikely that melatonin is solely responsible for age-related physiological changes, but low melatonin levels may contribute to our understanding of the aging process. In old age, people tend to sleep less or have difficulty falling asleep.

Sense of direction: Scientific studies on people with pineal gland dysfunction have shown that pineal damage is associated with a decrease in orientation.

Pineal gland dysfunction

The pineal gland can accumulate calcium deposits, which, if in excess, can prevent it from functioning properly. Because the pineal gland is closely associated with the hypothalamus, diseases affecting the hypothalamus (tumors or hormonal dysfunction) can lead to pineal dysfunction.

What is the most obvious symptom?

A significant change in circadian rhythms: this can mean too much or too little sleep, an active and restless state in the middle of the night or feeling sleepy during the day.

Other symptoms of impaired pineal gland function may include seemingly general manifestations, such as headache, nausea, vomiting or tremor, altered sense of direction.

Or problems that are not immediately attributable to gland functions, such as: changes in fertility, menstrual cycle or normal ovulation, osteoporotic conditions.

Spa treatments

Climatotherapy, aerotherapy, mountain climates can be recommended, together with kinetotherapy, hydrokinetotherapy, field cure.

Recommended resorts: Vatra-Dornei, Borsec, Slănic Moldova, Sinaia, Borșa, Predeal.

Dr. Gabriela Dogaru
Primary Doctor Recovery, physical medicine and balneology - Clinical Hospital for Recovery Cluj Napoca
First Vice-President of the Romanian Association of Balneology