Lower melatonin secretion in older females: gender differences independent of light exposure profiles.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Melatonin is associated with a variety of diseases in advanced age, including insomnia, depression, and dementia, and its secretion is influenced by light exposure. Although studies in young and middle-aged subjects have shown that females tend to have higher melatonin levels than males, gender differences in melatonin levels among older people remain unclear.

Methods

To determine the gender differences in melatonin levels among older people in home settings, we conducted a cross-sectional study in 528 older people. We measured overnight urinary 6-sulfatoxymelatonin excretion (UME; an index of melatonin secretion), and ambulatory light intensity.

Results

The mean age of females was 1.8 years younger, and average intensity of daytime light exposure was half

SUBMITTER: Obayashi K 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4275436 | biostudies-literature | 2015

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature