Amino acids are the building block of Protein. The body produces 8 essential amino acids and of these, a total of 22 are synthesized. Although, many amino acids contribute to mental health one of the most important seems to be Tryptophan. Tryptophan can be found in many foods we eat. However, due to circumstances beyond our control the amount of tryptophan in our blood system may not be enough. Tryptophan is the precursor to a neurotransmitter called SEROTONIN. Low serotonin levels has been linked to many mental disorders and behavior. Low levels of Serotonin is contributed to anxiety disorders, such as panic attacks, obsessive compulsive and depression. Further, there has been a link established between levels of serotonin and domestic violence.

The levels of serotonin that occur naturally in the brain can be changed due to environment and/or genetically determined. It is believed that individuals who grew up in families with little or no nuturing have lower levels of serotonin than those who grew up in nurturing families. Normally, higher status individuals have higher levels of serotonin levels than lower status.

However, among other variables, the level of stress lowers the serotonin levels in some individuals who are in demanding professions. They may find that they become impulsive and behave in a manner that is not necessarily consistent with their character.

Their ability to maintain self control in some area of their life becomes difficult, which creates more stress. This self-induced stress is caused from internal conflict (congruence) as their behavior conflicts with their values and morals. Their actions may further compromise their feeling of self-worth. Once their perception of self worth is diminished a continuing cycle may be created and depression(anger turned inward)may develop. Thus, furthering to confirm the established connection between low self esteem and low levels of serotonin.

The level of stress and perception of self worth also may affect their sleeping habits. During the Dream state AKA REM (Rapid Eye Movement)sleep the level of serotonin activity drops to zero. Individuals deprived of REM sleep for a extended period of time will die from sleep deprivation. This is believed to be related to the depletion of serotonin due to lack of REM sleep. REM sleep preserves the amount of serotonin needed in everyday activity. As serotonin is related to activity and motor movement the zero level of serotonin during REM sleep serves to prevent injury during a real and vivid dream state. Stress which affects an individuals ability to get the requires amount of REM sleep furthers to lower serotonin.

When under internal and external stress or pressure some individuals with low serotonin may exhibit such behaviors as moving or shaking a leg constantly. They may refer to this movement as nervous energy. However, it is their way of increasing activity, which increases the level of serotonin in their brain in order to better function. This has become an anxiety reducing mechanism for them.

Research has shown that sexual activity increases in upper class individuals as they age while lower class sexual activity decrease. This correlation is suggested to be related to the amount of activity and stress in which the upper class operate.Thus, white collar workers engaging in very little physical activity seem to have the lowest of amount of serotonin.

What can be done? Increase the amount of activity by engaging in running, jogging and/or working out. Diet should consist of foods that contains high levels of tryptophan, such as turkey and milk. A warm glass of milk before bed has always been suggested to help sleep. We now know that this is due to high levels of tryptophan in milk. Tryptophan at one time could be bought across the counter at nutrition centers and was taken as a supplement by individuals who suffered from insomnia or required an natural method to control anxiety. Due to a contaminated batch the FDA took it off the market opening the market for anti-anxiety medications to take control. However, these medications have significant side effects unlike tryptophan, which the body naturally produces.