How can light be used to optimize sleep and health in older adults?

Abstract

Globally, society is aging and changes to the timing and quality of sleep are often observed in older adults (aged ≥65years). Good sleep quality, and sufficient sleep duration, is necessary to maintain good physical and psychological health, and strategies which optimize good sleep will be important in an aging society. Light has a very powerful effect upon sleep and circadian rhythms, and has specific advantages including the relative low cost, ease of administration and lack of interaction with other medications. For this reason, bright light treatment is a promising method for optimizing sleep and circadian rhythmicity in older adults. In this chapter, we examine whether bright light treatment could be used to optimize sleep, circadian rhythms, and health in older adults. We also outline a range of methodological considerations which need to be addressed to increase the feasibility, acceptability and effectiveness of light treatment in older adults.

Keywords: Aging; Bright light treatment; Circadian rhythms; Health; Light; Sleep.