How Genes Influence Sleep Patterns?

Genes play a significant role in determining sleeping patterns.
We often think of ourselves as “morning larks” or “night owls” and these may have to do with genes that impact our internal biological clocks, or circadian rhythms.

The CLOCK gene is a master regulator of circadian rhythms. A variant of this gene influences sleep duration and the ability to have good quality sleep. This in turn impacts energy regulation as it is associated with the inability to get to rest at night, which in turn impacts leptin and ghrelin levels.

These hormones impact hunger levels and may increase snacking behavior when you do not get adequate rest. Poor sleep also leads to lower energy expenditure which may lead to weight gain.

It has been shown that people with this variant of the CLOCK gene sleep better when they exercise, especially later in the afternoons. They also need to be strict with sleep hygiene as it is not something that comes naturally to them.

Genetic variation may impact sleep duration. Some people naturally require more sleep than others. Some genes seem to influence this directly. Other genes influence this indirectly. For instance, genes may impact the ability to remove toxins and a lot of this happens when we are asleep. Poor detoxifiers may need a bit more sleep. Some people may also be more prone to inflammation or oxidative stress. Sleep may be needed to support these processes.

Sleep disorders such as insomnia, apnea, and narcolepsy may all have some genetic influences. Neurotransmitters and hormones such as serotonin, dopamine, and adenosine can affect the ability to fall asleep and stay asleep as well as the quality of sleep.

Your chronotype which is the natural preference for waking up early or staying up late, may be influenced by your genetics. Adapting to your natural chronotype can improve sleep quality and overall well-being.


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