Genetics of early riser sleep patterns uncovered
Wednesday, 20 Sep 2006 08:41
The habit of early rising may be down to genes, scientists say
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Scientists believe that they have discovered the genetic makeup of individuals who suffer from a sleeping syndrome that causes them to rise early in the morning.
Published today in the Genes and Development journal, the study from German-based researchers shows that human familial advanced sleep phase syndrome (Fasps) is rooted in a genetically-dominant molecular basis.
"Being a morning lark or a night owl is something encoded in people's genes," said study author Dr Achim Kramer.
Fasps adversely affects sufferers' biological clocks, meaning that normal rhythms are severely disrupted by about four hours.
People with the syndrome will commonly go to bed between 18:00 or 19:00, only to wake at about 04:00.
By mapping the syndrome's protein and monitoring cell line cycles, researchers believe that they have discovered the mutations behind the condition's origin.
"This is the first example where the regulation of a complex human behaviour could be really nailed down to its genetic basis and molecular mechanism," added Dr Kramer.