Neurotransmitters are essentially brain chemicals that serve as messengers. These brain chemicals transfer messages, or impulses, to and from nerve cells, creating a complex electrical system that keeps the body operating optimally. They must maintain balance and release at opportune times or a dysfunction occurs. Nighttime food cravings are likely a result of a chemical imbalance either due to a deficiency or dysfunction. A neurologist would be the best choice in providing tests and determining any problematic areas of this nature.
Serotonin
Serotonin, or 5-hydroxytryptamine, is a neurotransmitter that also serves as a hormone regulator throughout the brain, gastrointestinal tract, platelets in the blood and the pineal gland. When serotonin levels drop off, moods can swiftly change and cravings can be initiated. This chemical is produced by nerve cells and has a tremendous influence over appetite control, sleep regulation, body temperature regulation, mood, behaviors, cardiovascular functions, muscle contractions, endocrine regulation, depression, memory and learning. According to the International Society for Complexity, Information and Design, low serotonin levels might be linked to a neurobiological condition, or excessive intake of dietary minerals and vitamins throughout the course of the day could deplete serotonin availability into the evening hours. Food sources that contribute to the production of serotonin include bananas, poultry, brown rice, cheese, fish, legumes, whole grains and tomato.
Dopamine
Dopamine is primarily responsible for pleasure and drive determination in the brain. This neurotransmitter often works with serotonin and noradrenalin to maintain motivation, cognitive function, appetite, sexual libido, aggressiveness, mood and emotions. BrainExplorer.Org explains this unique process as symbiosis among the three neurotransitters that includes maintaining transmission of chemical messengers, reuptake, location in the brain and interaction among them. For nighttime food cravings, there might exist a neurobiological cause between neurotransmitters and receptors that keep the endocrine or cardiological systems operating functionally and production and reuptake of these neurotransmitters. Foods sources that contribute to dopamine production include apples, celery, poultry, cheese, fish, cucumber, leafy greens and tofu.
Norepinephrine and Epinephrine
While these are known as the excitatory neurotransmitters that stimulate bodily processes, norepinephrine and epinephrine might play a contributing role in nighttime dashes to the refrigerator. The theory behind this is that excitatory neurotransmitters can cause anxiety, inability to focus, stress, insomnia and nervous energy. According to Neurogistics, depletion of norepinephrine and epinephrine can cause boredom, attention deficits and sleep disturbances. It is entirely possible that a desire for stimulus when the home is quiet could lead the bored and understimulated to eat when they are not truly hungry. GABA, or gamma-amino butyric acid, neutralizes excess amounts of these neurotransmitters and might help curb nighttime nervous energy.
Ghrelin
Ghrelin is a hormone that ultimately controls the timing and amount of growth hormone secreted into the system. Its primary functions are to stimulate how much growth hormone is needed and to regulate energy balance in the body. Ghrelin signals metabolism and the secretion of estrogen and leptin. Deficiencies in this hormone can stimulate appetite, slow the metabolism and decrease energy needed to burn fat. According to R. Bowen at Colorado State University, ghrelin concentrations in obese humans often are much lower than those without weight issues. Clinical studies currently are underway to determine if a vaccination for ghrelin deficiencies would reduce obesity.
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