Regulating glucose in the blood. Glucose is needed by cells for respiration. It is important that the concentration of glucose in the blood is maintained at a constant level. Insulin is a hormone produced by the pancreas that regulates glucose levels in the blood.egulating glucose in the blood. Glucose is needed by cells for respiration. It is important that the concentration of glucose in the blood is maintained at a constant level. Insulin is a hormone produced by the pancreas that regulates glucose levels in the blood.
1 Snooze Foods and Pick-Me-Ups Certain foods contain an amino acid called tryptophan that causes sleepiness. 2  Carbohydrates make tryptophan more available to the brain, which is why carbohydrate-heavy meals can make you drowsy. It is made in the brain by converting tryptophan first to serotonin and then to melatonin, which is secreted at night by the pineal gland in the brain to induce and maintain sleep. 2  Scientific evidence shows little or no benefit of melatonin in improving sleep.
Milk contains the amino acid tryptophan, a precursor to the brain chemical serotonin. Although the topic is a controversial one, some people believe that tryptophan and serotonin might make it easier to sleep. Or maybe a simple glass of milk brings back soothing childhood memories, which help you drift off.