Preservation of slow wave sleep as a neuroprotective strategy in aging
Abstract:Preservation of normal sleep, proper nutrition and physical exercise are key elements in maintaining healthy aging. Their deficiency predisposes to fragility, a pathophysiological condition that leads to greater vulnerability to diseases and adverse effects, resulting from the loss of h...
Guardado en:
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| Formato: | Artículo |
| Lenguaje: | Inglés |
| Publicado: |
Sociedad Española de Medicina Antienvejecimiento y Longevidad
2019
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| Materias: | |
| Acceso en línea: | https://repositorio.uca.edu.ar/handle/123456789/8825 |
| Aporte de: |
| Sumario: | Abstract:Preservation of normal sleep, proper nutrition and
physical exercise are key elements in maintaining
healthy aging. Their deficiency predisposes to fragility, a pathophysiological condition that leads to greater
vulnerability to diseases and adverse effects, resulting
from the loss of homeostasis and a decreased functional reserve. Melatonin, a molecule of extraordinary
phylogenetic conservation present in all known aerobic organisms, is effective both as a chronobiotic and
a cytoprotective agent in aging. The late afternoon
increase of melatonin “opens the sleep doors” every
night and its therapeutic use as a guardian of slow
wave sleep has been demonstrated. There is a growing use of hypnotics such as benzodiazepines (BZP)
and Z drugs, which have shown a deleterious effect
on slow wave sleep and, due to their tolerance and
dependence, are a serious problem of public health.
Thirty years ago, we demonstrated the interaction of
melatonin with central BZP receptors and in 1997
we published the first demonstration of the reduction
of BZP consumption in melatonin-treated elderly
subjects. The approval by the EMA of melatonin as
a drug in 2007 has allowed obtaining pharmacoepidemiologic information on this topic. Several studies have found that more than half of patients treated with BZP and who had started treatment with
melatonin abandoned BZP consumption. In another
study in 9 European countries it was concluded that
campaigns to reduce BZP consumption fail if there
is no availability and reimbursement of the melatonin received in replacement. The data support the use
of melatonin in patients who chronically use BZP
or Z-drugs. Melatonin has no addictive and tolerant
effects and thus becomes the treatment of choice for
the preservation of slow wave sleep in the elderly. |
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