Graham, Deborah, and McLachlan, Angus (2004) Declining melatonin levels and older people. How old is old? Neuroendocrinology Letters, 25 (25). pp. 415-418.

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Abstract

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to investigate whether melatonin levels in older cohorts within the ‘aged’ population were significantly lower than in younger ‘aged’ individuals and hence point to a possible confound in cross-sectional studies which group individuals over 55 in one category.

SETTING AND DESIGN: Melatonin levels of 35 North Queensland residents over 55 years of age living in an aged-care facility, a retirement village or the general community were compared across three age groups.

METHODS: Subjects were ten 56–65 year olds, eighteen 66–75 year olds and seven over-75 year olds. Information was obtained on sleep, awakening, medical conditions and medications, with subsequent exclusion of those with known medical conditions and/or medications. Melatonin was collected by salivary samples at 2200 hours and concentrations were determined by immunoassay.

RESULTS: Mean melatonin levels were significantly lower (p=.03) in the ‘oldest’ (over 75 yrs) group compared to the ‘youngest’ (56–65 yrs) group. MAIN FINDINGS: The results of this preliminary study indicate that within the older population, melatonin levels appear to decline significantly with age.

CONCLUSIONS: Future studies of melatonin and ageing may benefit from a longitudinal approach, with older subjects sampled across time.

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