Aging is a multifactorial process likely stemming from damage accumulation and/or a decline in maintenance and repair mechanisms in the organisms that eventually determine their lifespan. In our... Show moreAging is a multifactorial process likely stemming from damage accumulation and/or a decline in maintenance and repair mechanisms in the organisms that eventually determine their lifespan. In our review, we focus on the morphological and functional alterations that the aging brain undergoes affecting sleep and the circadian clock in both human and rodent models. Although both species share mammalian features, differences have been identified on several experimental levels, which we outline in this review. Additionally, we delineate some challenges on the preferred analysis and we suggest that a uniform route is followed so that findings can be smoothly compared. We conclude by discussing potential interventions and highlight the influence of physical exercise as a beneficial lifestyle intervention, and its effect on healthy aging and longevity. We emphasize that even moderate age-matched exercise is able to ameliorate several aging characteristics as far as sleep and circadian rhythms are concerned, independent of the species studied. Show less
My research projects include the investigation of effects of different environmental factors on sleep and the circadian clock in the course of aging (such as light levels, exercise, diet and... Show moreMy research projects include the investigation of effects of different environmental factors on sleep and the circadian clock in the course of aging (such as light levels, exercise, diet and pharmacological substances including caffeine and diazepam). Investigating thebeneficial or adverse effects in the course of aging provides significant insights that could accelerate, hinder or ameliorate parts of the aging process allowing for a healthier and longer life span.Chronic consupmtion of high-caloric diet, eventually leading to obesity, alters the sleep homeostasis as well as the sleep architecture denoting a potentially enhanced aging phenotype.In addition to dietary preferences, light levels particularly at night significantly affect sleep and the sleep electroencephalogram across a wide age span, impactingthe sleep regulatory system as well as the brain integrity.Factors that induce beneficial effects include exercise and caffeine intake. Long-term exercise was able to lead to a younger brain phenotype across all ages while caffeine generally ameliorated sleep health. Show less
