🦉 Are You a Night Owl? Consider This Sleep Disorder.

New research suggests your night owl tendencies could be the result of a mutation in the genes that are responsible for regulating sleep. 📖 In an article published in the journal Cell, researchers from The Rockefeller University reported that a mutation in the gene CRY1 was common among those who suffered from delayed sleep phase disorder (DSPD), a condition where an individuals sleep/wake cycle is delayed from the typical day/night cycle. They have a natural tendency to go to bed later and wake up later than what is typically considered acceptable. They are forced to wake up before their body is ready in order to make it to work or school on time, leading to sleep deprivation and long term health complications. ⏰ The circadian clock is an internal rhythm that determines when we feel tired, hungry or awake. It also regulates our body temperature. Most people are hard-wired to a 24-hour clock, but those with DSPD follow an internal clock that runs slightly longer. Melatonin levels begin to rise around 9pm in most individuals. In DSPD, this does not occur until 2 or 3 am. "Carriers of the mutation have longer days than the planet gives them, so they are essentially playing catch-up for their entire lives,” - Alina Patke, the lead author of the study. CRY1 was known for its involvement in sleep but this is the first genetic mutation found to be associated with DSPD. The mutation carries a dominant inheritance, which means that having just one copy of the mutation can cause a sleep disorder. Tips for appropriate sleep hygiene: 🛏 Going to bed and waking up at the same time ☕️ Avoid caffeinated products (coffee and energy drinks) 🚬 Avoid stimulants and meds (alcohol, sleeping pills, nicotine) 🍕 Avoid eating near bedtime 🌡 Maintain a cool and quiet environment 📱 Avoid light at night (TV, phones) 🙏🏼 Meditation