Early bird or night owl: everything is genetic matter



A US study reveals that behind our sleep and wake patterns hide a dozen genetic mutations.

And if the fact of staying up late or waking up early was actually a matter of genes? The journal Nature Communications published on February 2, the work of California researchers who studied the cycles of sleep and waking habits of 89,283 people.

In humans, the biological clock located in the brain, consists of 20,000 neurons. It serves to regulate vital functions of our body for a period of 24 hours. Diet, exercise, light, outside temperature are all signals that help the biological clock to function properly. However, how is it that some people get up early and go to bed early while others are unable to get to sleep before and some time and are unable to emerge in the morning?

This is the question that has attempted to meet a team of scientists. This was based on it for the study of the genome, or "genome-wide association". Of the 89,283 participants, 56% consider themselves night owls. Women and adults over 60 years reveal more likely to be morning, and experiencing far fewer episodes of sleeplessness. They also do not need more than 8 hours of sleep per night. Another factor, they are much less likely to be depressed and have a BMI lower than individuals who declare themselves single.

Researchers have identified a dozen genetic mutations specifically related to healthy people, naturally having a morning awakening. Among them, seven genes predisposing to the morning trend are near genes known to regulate circadian rhythm (alternation between wakefulness and sleep). "Several genes that secrete products that regulate circadian rhythms were already known, but their potential link with a preference for the morning was not clear," say the researchers also found among the early risers, genetic variations near genes controlling the perception of light.

However, researchers do not make a direct link between night owls, greater weight or sleep disorders.

Share on Google Plus

About Unknown

This is a short description in the author block about the author. You edit it by entering text in the "Biographical Info" field in the user admin panel.
    Blogger Comment
    Facebook Comment

0 commentaires :

Post a Comment