Recent research has been done regarding genes and sleep disorders which resulted in findings which can help doctors understand who is at risk and tailor a remedy for them. There are a number of genes which are tested through common consumer DNA test kits. Until now, researchers have found that narcolepsy, the disorder of extreme, excessive sleepiness, has been mapped to a particular gene (HLA-DQB1*06: 02). Likewise, restless legs syndrome has a strong genetic tie and four genes have been linked to the disorder.

There are tendencies which show that being a night owl or early bird are linked to specific and testable genes. In fact, the ability to deal with in adequate sleep has recently been linked to a gene. Recent research conducted by scientists in San Diego revealed that genes can play a role in insomnia and connected mood disorders, such as depression.

It has been revealed that there are two genes which have a huge effect on the sleep-disruptive limb movements. The BTBD9 gene has been found in people with restless legs, while and variations in the ADA gene have been seen in individuals with deep sleep deficiency. Knowing and understanding the genetic risk for diseases can help you get a quicker and more precise diagnosis. The DNA information is quite fascinating and it has the potential of becoming very useful.

The genetics of a person makes has about 80% of the impact on susceptibility to the cognitive effects of sleep deprivation. Moreover, there have been studies which discovered that two areas of DNA were found to be crucial to sleep behavior. One of the areas is closely connected to long periods of sleep, much more than what’s considered average, while the other area is linked to more efficient glucose metabolism and to short sleep cycles, along with an increased risk of schizophrenia and depression.

Studies, both large and small have aimed to explain how a person’s genetics might influence their sleep habits. Researchers have found that whether a person is likely to wake up early or later is partially determined by genes involved in setting their circadian rhythm, called an internal clock.

After decades of research, it has been found out that sleep is an important and complex activity which is influenced by the food, the environments, and our DNA. There is much more to learn about the latest sleep science in the future and we are all looking forward to it.