title: Changes in circadian rhythms and sleep quality with aging: mechanisms and interventions.
abstract: Literature is reviewed indicating that aging is characterized by changes in circadian rhythms and sleep quality. The most marked change is an attenuation of amplitude. An advance of phase, a shortening of period, and a desynchronization of rhythms are also evident. The mechanisms underlying these changes are unknown. However, age-related changes in the retina, suprachiasmatic nucleus, and pineal gland seem relevant along with behavioral changes such as a reduction in physical activity and exposure to photic stimulation. Changes in circadian rhythms are frequently associated with a reduction in nighttime sleep quality, a decrease in daytime alertness, and an attenuation in cognitive performance; reversing such changes could enhance the quality of life for a large and rapidly increasing percentage of the population. Reversal appears possible by increasing melatonin levels with either appropriately timed exposure to photic stimulation and/or appropriately timed administration of exogenous melatonin. These interventions may increase aspects of genetic expression that have changed with aging. A hypothesis concerning the potential benefits of enhanced circadian amplitude is also offered.
authors.affiliation: Psychology Department, Bowling Green State University, OH 43403, USA.
authors.forename: B L
authors.initials: BL
authors.lastname: Myers
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Badia
mesh_terms: D000375:Aging / Q000502:physiology* / Q000523:psychology; D000818:Animals; D002940:Circadian Rhythm / Q000502:physiology*; D006801:Humans; D012890:Sleep / Q000502:physiology*; D012893:Sleep Wake Disorders / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000628:therapy