Gravity waves (GWs) play a key role for the dynamics of the middle atmosphere. Recent modeling studies have demonstrated that their dynamical and thermal effects extend well into the upper atmosphere above the turbopause (>105 km). Using general circulation modeling techniques incorporating the whole atmosphere GW parameterization of Yiğit et al. (2008) we show that GWs not only influence the general circulation of the upper atmosphere but they impact the spatiotemporal variability of the thermosphere. Currently, these GW effects are not included in long-term trend studies. Therefore, GW effects and the induced atmospheric variability should be taken into account as an important physical mechanism in the studies of the long-term trends in the middle and upper atmosphere.