Circadian Rhythms: Key to Healthy Aging in Women!

Circadian Rhythms: Key to Healthy Aging in Women!

The circadian clock plays a critical role in regulating many physiological processes, including sleep-wake cycles, metabolism, hormone secretion, and immune function. Current research shows that there are significant differences in circadian rhythms between men and women, due in part to hormonal fluctuations and genetic factors. These differences become particularly evident during aging and menopause in women, such as Medical School Hamburg reported.

Circadian rhythm disruptions can have serious consequences, including insomnia, mood swings and metabolic disorders. A group of researchers consisting of Dr. Deeksha Malhan, Dr. Müge Yalcin, Prof. Dr. Angela Relógio and other colleagues from NobodyToldMe by sisu health GmbH and the University of Würzburg have launched a prospective study that addresses this problem. The aim of this study is to contribute to circadian medicine and provide new insights into time-based lifestyle interventions to support healthy aging in women.

Causes of sleep-wake rhythm disorders

Circadian sleep-wake rhythm disorders can have both internal and external causes. While the internal causes are not specified, the external causes are diverse. This includes:

• Jetlag, insbesondere bei Reisen von West nach Ost,
• unregelmäßige Schichtarbeit oder Arbeitszeiten,
• häufiges Zubettgehen und Aufwachen zu unterschiedlichen Zeiten,
• lange Zeit im Bett verbringen,
• geringe Sonnenlichteinwirkung oder Blindheit,
• Einnahme bestimmter Medikamente oder illegaler Drogen.

A sleep rhythm reversal often occurs, especially in hospital patients who are woken up at night and are exposed to little sunlight during the day. Various types of circadian sleep-wake rhythm disorders have been documented, including delayed sleep phase syndrome, in which sufferers go to sleep late and wake up late.

The role of biological clocks

Circadian rhythms are physical, mental and behavioral changes that follow a daily cycle and respond to light and darkness. These rhythms are present not only in humans, but also in animals, plants and microbes. The study of these rhythms is called chronobiology. A central biological clock, the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN), plays a crucial role by synchronizing all biological clocks in the body. The SCN receives information from the eyes and thus influences sleep regulation and other body functions.

Recently, scientists have begun to take a closer look at the effects of shift work and nighttime light exposure on circadian rhythms. Disrupted circadian rhythms are known to be linked to chronic health conditions such as sleep disorders, obesity, diabetes, depression and bipolar disorder. A lack of production of serotonin, which is mainly produced during deep sleep, can also lead to sleep disorders and other psychological problems, as well Medical doctor highlights.

The results of the current research could help develop solutions to existing sleep disorders as well as other health problems linked to circadian rhythms. The findings of circadian medicine therefore offer promising approaches to sustainably improving the quality of life, especially for older women.