What neurotransmitter is primarily associated with mood regulation, appetite, and sleep?

Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that plays a crucial role in regulating mood, appetite, and sleep, making it a key player in maintaining mental health. It is often referred to as the "feel-good" neurotransmitter because of its significant impact on mood and emotional well-being. Low levels of serotonin are commonly linked to conditions such as depression and anxiety, highlighting its importance in mood regulation.

Moreover, serotonin is involved in the regulation of appetite, influencing whether a person feels hungry or satiated, which can impact eating habits. It also plays a role in sleep patterns, as it helps regulate sleep-wake cycles and can affect the quality and duration of sleep.

In contrast, norepinephrine is primarily associated with alertness and arousal, dopamine is linked to reward and motivation, and glutamate is the main excitatory neurotransmitter involved in cognitive functions such as learning and memory. While these other neurotransmitters also have important roles in the nervous system, none are as directly connected to mood regulation, appetite, and sleep as serotonin.