The role of diminished dopamine levels on age-related sleep disturbances
As individuals age, they often encounter sleep problems such as difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep. However, the underlying mechanisms behind these sleep deficits remain unclear. Dopamine (DA), a crucial chemical messenger in the brain, gradually declines with age. Dr. Huang’s previous research in mouse models has shown that reduced DA levels correlate with shorter sleep duration and disrupted sleep continuity, mirroring patterns observed in older adults. In this proposed study, Dr. Huang will use mouse models to explore how changes in dopaminergic activity influence sleep patterns and whether targeted interventions can alleviate sleep deficits in older subjects.
