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Sex differences in age-related changes in the sleep-wake cycle
Julie Carrier1, Kazue Semba2, Samuel Deurveilher3
1Center for Advanced Research in Sleep Medicine, Hôpital du Sacré-Cœur de Montréal, Montréal, Québec, Canada; Institut Universitaire de Gériatrie de Montréal, Université de Montréal, Montréal, Québec, Canada; Département de psychologie, Université de Montréal, Montréal, Québec, Canada.
Frontiers in Neuroendocrinology
|August 1, 2017
Summary
Sleep and circadian regulation change with age, differing between sexes. This review explores how sex hormones interact with these age-related sleep changes in men and women.
Area of Science:
- Sleep science
- Chronobiology
- Neuroendocrinology
Background:
- Age-related changes in sleep and circadian regulation begin in middle age.
- Existing research indicates sex-based differences in sleep and circadian rhythm regulation.
- The specific patterns of age-related sleep changes in men versus women remain unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the mechanisms of age-related sleep differences.
- To examine the interaction between sex and age-related sleep changes.
- To investigate the role of sex hormones (testosterone, estrogens, progesterone) in adult sleep and circadian regulation.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of existing research on sleep, circadian rhythms, aging, and sex differences.
- Analysis of studies investigating hormonal fluctuations and their impact on sleep.
- Synthesis of current knowledge to identify gaps and propose future research directions.
Main Results:
- Age-related alterations in sleep and circadian timing are well-documented.
- Significant sex differences exist in sleep architecture and circadian patterns.
- Hormonal fluctuations, particularly estrogens, testosterone, and progesterone, influence sleep and circadian regulation differently across sexes and with age.
Conclusions:
- Understanding sex-specific mechanisms of age-related sleep changes is crucial.
- Further research is needed to elucidate the complex interplay between sex hormones, aging, and sleep-wake regulation.
- Identifying these mechanisms can inform targeted interventions for sleep disturbances in aging populations.
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