Myers B L, Badia P
Psychology Department, Bowling Green State University, OH 43403, USA.
Neurosci Biobehav Rev. 1995 Winter;19(4):553-71. doi: 10.1016/0149-7634(95)00018-6.
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.
文献综述表明，衰老的特征是昼夜节律和睡眠质量的变化。最显著的变化是振幅减弱。相位提前、周期缩短和节律不同步也很明显。这些变化背后的机制尚不清楚。然而，视网膜、视交叉上核和松果体中与年龄相关的变化似乎与行为变化有关，如身体活动减少和光刺激暴露减少。昼夜节律的变化通常与夜间睡眠质量下降、白天警觉性降低和认知能力减弱有关；逆转这些变化可以提高很大一部分且迅速增长的人口的生活质量。通过适当时机暴露于光刺激和/或适当时机给予外源性褪黑素增加褪黑素水平，逆转似乎是可能的。这些干预措施可能会增加随衰老而改变的基因表达方面。还提出了一个关于增强昼夜节律振幅潜在益处的假说。
