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Melatonin's Benefits and Risks as a Therapy for Sleep Disturbances in the Elderly: Current Insights

Daniel P Cardinali1, Gregory M Brown2, Seithikurippu R Pandi-Perumal3

  • 1Faculty of Medical Sciences, Pontificia Universidad Católica Argentina, Buenos Aires, Argentina.

Nature and Science of Sleep
|October 21, 2022
PubMed

Insights

Healthy aging requires managing sleep disturbances and inflammation. Melatonin, a natural chronobiotic, effectively addresses both, promoting better sleep and reducing inflammation in the elderly.

Area of Science:

  • Gerontology
  • Chronobiology
  • Inflammology

Background:

  • Aging is linked to disrupted circadian rhythms and low-grade inflammation (inflammaging), contributing to chronic diseases.
  • Preserving circadian rhythmicity, especially the sleep/wake cycle, is crucial for healthy aging and proper brain function.
  • Melatonin, a conserved molecule, regulates circadian rhythms and exhibits anti-inflammatory properties.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate melatonin's efficacy and safety in addressing age-related sleep disturbances and inflammation.
  • To present scientific and clinical evidence supporting melatonin as a therapeutic agent for the elderly.

Main Methods:

  • Review of scientific and clinical evidence on melatonin's effects on circadian rhythms and inflammation.
  • Analysis of melatonin's role in synchronizing central and peripheral circadian clocks.
  • Assessment of melatonin's anti-inflammatory mechanisms, including free radical buffering and cytokine modulation.

Main Results:

  • Melatonin surge in the late afternoon/night synchronizes the suprachiasmatic nuclei (SCN) and peripheral clocks.
  • Melatonin demonstrates significant anti-inflammatory effects by reducing oxidative stress and pro-inflammatory cytokines.
  • Clinical evidence supports melatonin's safety and effectiveness in improving sleep in older adults.

Conclusions:

  • Melatonin is a safe and effective chronobiotic for managing age-related sleep disturbances.
  • Melatonin's dual action on circadian rhythmicity and inflammation makes it a promising intervention for healthy aging.
  • Targeting both sleep and inflammation is essential for comprehensive healthy aging strategies.
Keywords:
elderlymelatoninneurodegenerationsafetysleep

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