Sleep and Circadian Rhythms as Modulators of Mental Health in Ageing

SleepSleep and circadian rhythms are pivotal factors in modulating mental healthMental health, exhibiting intrinsic physiological and behavioral oscillations lasting around 24 h. These rhythms are regulated by molecular clocks situated in the Suprachiasmatic NucleusSuprachiasmatic Nucleus (SCN), synchronized with the solar day's light–dark cycleLight-dark cycle. The sleep–wake cycleSleep-wake cycle, a prominent manifestation of circadian rhythms, plays a crucial role in mental well-beingMental well-being. Perturbations in sleepSleep patterns, often exacerbated by ageingAgeing, are closely associated with disruptions in circadian rhythms, thereby increasing the susceptibility to mental disordersMental disorders. Additionally, contemporary lifestyles further exacerbate these disruptions, contributing to adverse mental healthMental health outcomes. This chapter aims to delve into the intricate relationship between sleepSleep, circadian rhythms, and mental healthMental health, particularly in the context of ageingAgeing.