Aging process linked to changes in human sleep patterns

Scientific research explains why sleep patterns change as people age, often leading to earlier waking times in older adults. According to Cindy Lustig, a psychology professor at the University of Michigan, these shifts are not solely genetic but are part of a complex, interconnected aging process.

Dr. Sairam Parthasarathy, director of the Center for Sleep and Circadian Sciences at the University of Arizona, notes that the aging brain becomes less sensitive to external 'zeitgebers' or time-givers. These signals, such as sunlight, meal times, and social interactions, help the brain maintain a 24-hour cycle. As neurological connections and vision decline with age, the brain's ability to recognize these environmental cues weakens, contributing to earlier fatigue and waking.