Neurotransmitters and Learning Pt. 4: Serotonin

Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that is linked to our gastrointestinal systems. It affects our moods and our ability to learn and remember. When serotonin is in abundance, we are awash in feelings of well-being. Thus, serotonin is often called the "happiness hormone."
　
The best illustration of the effects of serotonin is how we feel after a big turkey dinner shared with family and friends. You know, that relaxed feeling of complete contentment. In our ancestors, serotonin was released when they were safe, a relatively rare state in our pre-historic past. Thus, when our bellies are full (i.e. we are not going to starve) and we are surrounded by loved ones (we are not going to be attacked), our bodies produce serotonin.
　
In addition, serotonin is metabolized from the amino acid tryptophan found in turkey. We also need a release of insulin caused by carbohydrates to allow this to take place. Thus, turkey dinner is great. However, many foods, including nuts, milk and spinach, have a much higher concentration of tryptophan than turkey. One of the best ways to use nutrition to support serotonin production is to have a bowl of cereal in milk, making sure that you drink all the milk. This is part of the reason why milk is recommended before bed and a big reason why a good breakfast including protein is so important to learning.
　
So, aside from giving our students milk, what can we do to leverage the power of serotonin to improve learning and well-being? Well, first of all we can make sure our classrooms are safe. When animals, including humans, sense resources are scarce or a threat is present they stop producing serotonin. Thus, we need to balance the challenges of the classroom (see norepinepherine entry) with a supportive environment.

Our classrooms and learning environments should be safe, comfortable and trusting. We should be available to our students who should in turn feel like they are in an environment of total support. Use of colours, plants, artwork, strategic seating and humour can really help with the release of serotonin. Watching fish swim in a aquarium produces serotonin, which is why fish tanks are often present in dentist offices. Most importantly, however, is how we treat our students and how they treat each other. Safety and support augment serotonin levels; scarcity and threat diminish serotonin levels. If students feel like they can succeed with their peers instead of feeling like they have to compete against them more serotonin will be available to provide a sense of well-being and improve learning.
　
Thus, serotonin balances or evens out the stimulation of norepinepherine while enhancing the drive associated with the pleasures of dopamine. Therefore, if we want our students to be driven, focused and balanced learners, we need to harness the power of these three important neurotransmitters.