What time of day are neuropeptide Y (NPY) levels generally highest?

Neuropeptide Y (NPY) levels are typically highest in the morning. This hormone is involved in various functions within the body, including appetite regulation, stress response, and circadian rhythms. In the context of appetite, higher levels of NPY in the morning may play a role in signaling hunger and the desire to eat after the fasting period of overnight sleep.

The fluctuation of NPY levels throughout the day aligns with the body's natural circadian rhythm, where the morning often triggers metabolic and hunger responses that are different from those later in the day. Understanding these hormonal patterns is crucial for intuitive eating and helps in recognizing the body's natural cues for hunger and satiety.