Do you suck at sleeping? It might not be your fault.

BY ANDREW LI

Sleep: a condition of body and mind that typically recurs for several hours every night, in which the eyes are closed, the postural muscles are relaxed, the activity of the brain is altered, and consciousness of the surroundings is practically suspended. If you have survived long enough to learn how to read this, then I can guarantee you that you have experienced some form of sleep before in your life. Although sleep in general is a common trait, one’s sleep schedule is a completely separate matter. Sleep schedules can vary dramatically from individual to individual. Although we may think that these differences lie within our day-to-day lifestyle, recent studies have shown that there may be a fundamental genetic basis for our sleep patterns.

A typical circadian rhythm is a roughly 24-hour cycle that regulates various physiological processes in the body, including the sleep-wake cycle, hormone production, body temperature, and metabolism. This internal clock is influenced by external cues, most notably, light. When it becomes dark, our brain produces melatonin, a hormone that promotes sleep. In the morning, light exposure signals the brain to reduce melatonin production, promoting alertness and wakefulness. Ideally, this rhythm aligns with natural light and darkness: we sleep at night and are awake during the day.

(Circadian rhythm: See what is it? 2024)

However, many individuals experience deviations from this ideal rhythm. These can range from mild differences in sleep preference (such as being a "night owl" or "early bird") to more extreme cases like circadian rhythm sleep disorders. These disorders can significantly disrupt a person's quality of life. One such disorder is Advanced Sleep Phase Syndrome (ASPD).

Advanced Sleep Phase Syndrome is a condition in which the circadian rhythm is shifted significantly earlier than normal. Individuals with ASPD tend to feel sleepy in the early evening, often around 6 to 8 pm, and subsequently wake up in the very early hours of the morning, sometimes as early as 3 or 4 am. While this might not initially seem problematic—after all, the person is still getting a full night’s sleep—the implications can be socially and professionally disruptive. Late-night social gatherings, evening classes, or simply staying up to watch a movie can become nearly impossible. People with ASPD may feel isolated or frustrated because their natural rhythm conflicts with societal norms that favor later bedtimes and evening activities.

What’s especially interesting about ASPD is that it has a genetic component. Studies have identified mutations in certain genes, such as PER2 and CK1δ, that are associated with the disorder. These genes are involved in the regulation of the molecular clock inside our cells, which helps maintain circadian timing. In families where ASPD is common, these mutations often appear across generations, suggesting a hereditary basis.

Ultimately, understanding the genetic underpinnings of sleep timing can not only help diagnose and manage disorders like ASPD but also offer insights into the broader complexity of human biology and behavior. As we learn more, treatments may become more personalized, taking into account not just lifestyle factors, but the very DNA that makes each of us unique.

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Otolaryngologists in OKC | OKOA. (2024, July 5). Circadian rhythm: See what is it?. OKOA. https://www.okoa.org/articles/circadian-rhythm-see-what-is-it