What effects does serotonin have on the body?

Serotonin, also known as 5-hydroxytryptamine, is a neurotransmitter that helps relay messages from one area of the brain to another, regulating such functions as appetite, sleep, memory, learning, body temperature, digestion, and sexual function.  Commonly referred to as the body’s “feel good” chemical, serotonin can also affect mood, and many researchers believe an imbalance in serotonin can trigger depression and anxiety.  In fact, the goal of many medications used to treat these conditions is to raise the level of serotonin in the brain.