About this Research Topic
Life expectancy is on the rise worldwide. Within the US alone, it is estimated that 20% of the population will be over the age of 65 years by 2030. Normal aging results in a relentless deterioration of both sleep and wakefulness. This includes sleep fragmentation and the inability to sustain wakefulness during the active phase in humans and rodents. Impairments in both behavioral states become more pronounced in many age-dependent neurodegenerative processes. Impaired wakefulness interferes with cognitive function and quality of life for millions of older Americans. Recent data indicates that sleep disruption and disorders might themselves contribute to the acceleration of development of dementia and Alzheimer’s Disease in particular.
Given the growing aging population, understanding the mechanisms of sleep/wake disturbances caused by aging is a critical step in identifying novel therapeutic strategies to increase the quality of life for the elderly as well as stave off the progression of neurodegenerative diseases. This Research Topic will appraise/reflect the current state of research in sleep and aging in basic, translational, and clinical areas.
As such, we welcome articles from scientists carrying out research that ranges from basic molecular and mechanistic, to translational and clinical.
Given the growing aging population, understanding the mechanisms of sleep/wake disturbances caused by aging is a critical step in identifying novel therapeutic strategies to increase the quality of life for the elderly as well as stave off the progression of neurodegenerative diseases. This Research Topic will appraise/reflect the current state of research in sleep and aging in basic, translational, and clinical areas.
As such, we welcome articles from scientists carrying out research that ranges from basic molecular and mechanistic, to translational and clinical.
Keywords: Sleep, aging, mechanisms, neurodegeneration, sleep disruption/disturbances
Important Note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.
