Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 9, 2026
08:45
Polygraphic Recording Procedure for Measuring Sleep in Mice
Published on: January 25, 2016
25.1K
Centella asiatica improves sleep quality and quantity in aged mice
Laura Dovek1, Carolyn E Tinsley1,2, Katelyn Gutowsky3
1Department of Neurology, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR, United States.
Sleep Advances : a Journal of the Sleep Research Society
|October 17, 2025
Summary
Centella asiatica water extract (CAW) shows promise for improving sleep in aging mice. This study found CAW moderately improved sleep quantity and quality in aged mice, with sex-dependent effects observed.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Gerontology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Age-related sleep disruption is common, impacting cognitive function and increasing dementia risk.
- Sleep decline may contribute to age-related cognitive decline and neurodegenerative diseases.
- Centella asiatica extracts show neuroprotective effects but their impact on sleep is unknown.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of Centella asiatica water extract (CAW) on sleep patterns in aged mice.
- To determine if CAW can mitigate age-related sleep decline.
- To explore potential sex-dependent effects of CAW on sleep.
Main Methods:
- Aged male and female C57BL6/J mice (18 months old) were fed chow containing CAW (1000 mg/kg/day) or control chow.
- Sleep composition was analyzed using electroencephalogram (EEG) and electromyogram (EMG) recordings.
- Effects on sleep duration, REM sleep, theta power, and arousals were assessed.
Main Results:
- CAW increased the duration of REM sleep and theta power during REM sleep in aged male mice.
- CAW decreased the number of sleep arousals in aged female mice.
- These effects were observed compared to age- and sex-matched controls.
Conclusions:
- Centella asiatica water extract (CAW) has a moderate, sex-dependent effect on sleep quantity and quality in aged mice.
- CAW may be a potential intervention for age-related sleep disturbances.
- Further research is needed to elucidate the mechanisms and long-term effects of CAW on sleep and cognition.
Related Concept Videos
01:19Management of Insomnia
The sleep cycle, an integral part of human health, consists of several stages with distinct characteristics and functions. It begins with a transition from wakefulness to sleep, known as the light sleep phase, followed by the restorative deep sleep phase, essential for physical recovery and growth. The cycle concludes with the Rapid Eye Movement (REM) phase, characterized by high brain activity and vivid dreaming. Insomnia, a prevalent sleep disorder, involves difficulty falling asleep, staying...
01:13Insufficient Sleep and Sleep Deprivation
Insufficient sleep refers to not getting the recommended amount of sleep for optimal functioning, even if it's just slightly less than needed. Sleep insufficiency may occur due to lifestyle choices, such as staying up late for social events or work, resulting in routinely getting less sleep than required. For example, consistently sleeping 6 hours when the body needs 7-9 hours can lead to cumulative effects on health and well-being.
Sleep deprivation is a more severe form of sleep loss...
Sleep deprivation is a more severe form of sleep loss...