Which factor can contribute to melatonin suppression as individuals age?

Which factor can contribute to melatonin suppression as individuals age?

• A. Increased physical activity
• B. Changes in retinal luminance
• C. Longer sleep duration
• D. Lower cortisol levels

Answer: (B)

Melatonin, a hormone primarily produced by the pineal gland, plays a critical role in regulating sleep-wake cycles. As individuals age, several physiological changes can lead to alterations in melatonin production, one of which is changes in retinal luminance. Retinal luminance refers to the amount of light entering the eyes. Exposure to bright light, especially blue light, during the evening hours can inhibit the production of melatonin. This influence is particularly significant as people age, since older adults may have altered light exposure patterns, decreased sensitivity to light, or more significant exposure to artificial light, which can further disrupt the natural circadian rhythms and melatonin secretion. This factor is particularly relevant given the prevalence of indoor activity and screen time in modern lifestyles, which often involve prolonged exposure to artificial lighting late into the evening. Such changes in light exposure can lead to lower melatonin levels, affecting sleep quality and the overall circadian rhythm in older adults. While the other options touch on lifestyle and physiological factors, they do not directly connect to the mechanism through which aging affects melatonin production like changes in retinal luminance do. For example, increased physical activity, longer sleep duration, and lower cortisol levels can influence overall health and well-being, but they

Melatonin, a hormone primarily produced by the pineal gland, plays a critical role in regulating sleep-wake cycles. As individuals age, several physiological changes can lead to alterations in melatonin production, one of which is changes in retinal luminance.

Retinal luminance refers to the amount of light entering the eyes. Exposure to bright light, especially blue light, during the evening hours can inhibit the production of melatonin. This influence is particularly significant as people age, since older adults may have altered light exposure patterns, decreased sensitivity to light, or more significant exposure to artificial light, which can further disrupt the natural circadian rhythms and melatonin secretion.

This factor is particularly relevant given the prevalence of indoor activity and screen time in modern lifestyles, which often involve prolonged exposure to artificial lighting late into the evening. Such changes in light exposure can lead to lower melatonin levels, affecting sleep quality and the overall circadian rhythm in older adults.

While the other options touch on lifestyle and physiological factors, they do not directly connect to the mechanism through which aging affects melatonin production like changes in retinal luminance do. For example, increased physical activity, longer sleep duration, and lower cortisol levels can influence overall health and well-being, but they