Functions:
Pineal body produces some hormones like melatonin, melatonin influences sexual development and sleep-wake cycle. Pineal gland is involved in several body functions like regulation of endocrine functions, conversion of nervous system signals to endocrine signals, causes feeling of sleepiness, influences sexual development.
Diseases:
Disorders of the pineal gland mainly include melatonin deficiency or melatonin excess. Melatonin deficiency includes insomnia, anxiety, elevated oestrogen, immune suppression, lowered basal body temperature. Melatonin excess causes seasonal affecting disorder, low thyroid and adrenal function, hypotension.
Interesting Facts:
We must be thankful to our pineal gland for our sweet sleep. It secretes melatonin which regulates our sleep.
