The quality of sleep is related to the age

Why do people sleep so badly in old age??

Many older people have problems sleeping properly at night. Researchers found that age affects the ability of the so-called circadian clock in mammals to readjust under the action of light. This then leads to a disturbance of the sleep pattern.

Scientists from the University of Kent and the University of Greenwich, in their joint ongoing research, discovered why many older people have trouble sleeping. The physicians published the results of their study in the English-language journal "Neurobiology of Aging".

Especially at an older age, many people have problems sleeping properly at night. Experts now found the reason. (Image: Edler von Rabenstein - fotolia)

Photosensitivity of the suprachiasmatic nucleus changes

The University of Kent's Medway School of Pharmacy experts looked at changes in the brain of older people that affect their sleep patterns. The results showed that, in old age, photosensitivity is significantly reduced in a particular part of the brain. The affected section, called the suprachiasmatic nucleus, controls the so-called circadian rhythms in mammals.

Effects of disturbed photosensitivity

If the photosensitivity of the suprachiasmatic nucleus is reduced, this leads to disturbance of the sleep patterns and thus to a threat to well-being. This breakthrough in understanding sleep problems could lead to the development of a treatment that aims to restore the circadian clock in the future, the researchers hope.

Glutamate receptor worked less effectively in old age

In their investigation, the experts found that a so-called glutamate receptor (NMDA), which is used to transmit light information, has become less effective in resetting the circadian clock as the aging process progresses, Dr. Dean explains. Gurprit Lall of the Medway School of Pharmacy in a press release.

Changes detected are age-related

This structural change of the glutamate receptor was responsible for the observed decrease in light response. A subunit of the NMDA receptor had a significantly reduced presence in older mammals, indicating an age-related change in the structural configuration. Gurprit Lall.

Structural reorganization leads to problems

The study concluded that an aging suprachiasmatic nucleus suffers from a structural reorganization of its light-receiving components. This ultimately affects the function of stopping and maintaining a stable circadian rhythm, say the medical profession. (As)