Addictions to the early birds or night people are in the genes

Scientists discover the connection between genes and daily rhythms
Are you one of those people who get up early in the morning? Then you are probably a so-called "early bird". Researchers now found out that our genes have a significant impact on the personal daily rhythm.

Why is it that some people sleep until noon and other people wake up very early in the morning? This question was answered by scientists at San Jose State University in California. In a big investigation, they found that there could be a genetic basis that influences our daily rhythm. The results of the study were published by researchers in the journal Nature Communications.

Our genes obviously determine our sleep behavior. (Image: bmf-foto.de/fotolia.com)

15 regions of the human genome determine whether or not we are a "morning person"
Some people just wake up very early every morning, whether they need to work or it's a day off. Others would like to sleep every day until noon. What regulates in our body, whether we get up early or not? Researchers tried to find an answer to this question. In their study, they examined about 90,000 people whose genomes were previously sequenced. The doctors found out that our genes may be the reason why we are early risers or night owls. Fifteen regions of the human genome affect the fact that we are a morning person or not, researchers say. It has also been found that early-risers are generally healthier than late risers. So-called night owls seem to be particularly susceptible to depression and obesity, the doctors claim. However, further research is needed to find relevant evidence to support this claim.

"Morning people" usually have low BMI and less often depression
In the study, subjects were asked about their sleep habits and lifestyle. The investigation revealed a general preference for getting up early. The data also showed that most of the participants do not consider themselves early risers, say the physicians. Many of the early-rising people were women or adults over the age of 60 years. In addition, it has now been discovered that some genes affect our sleep patterns that were not previously associated with our sleep patterns. With the new information from the study, we could identify genetics behind a variety of conditions and diseases, experts say. So hopefully we can develop a better understanding of such issues in the future. Morning people have a lower BMI and a lower chance of developing depression, say the scientists.

The circadian rhythm (circadian rhythm) is a universal property of living things. Both humans and animals have a sleep-wake cycle. This affects almost every biological process, explain the researchers. The phases of the so-called circadian rhythms thus also determine our innate tendency to get up early or to stay awake at night, explain the physicians. Popularly, the circadian rhythm is also called "internal clock". Our genes can show us whether we are early risers or night owls, the researchers report. That could be a real breakthrough in medicine, say the experts. Doctors could use the results to develop new treatments and more efficient schedules for people with sleep problems. (As)