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.
Melatonin levels rise naturally during the night, helping promote sleep, and are suppressed during the day, allowing us to be alert and wakeful. Calcium, like magnesium and potassium, is also a natural relaxant in the body. Dairy products are rich in calcium, and can be a good choice for a sleep-friendly evening snack.