A new study based on genetic information from hundreds of thousands of people reveals that some individuals are born needing more sleep than others.
People who sleep a lot often appear lethargic and tired, and are perceived as lazy. Those with longer sleep durations often experience anxiety about their health. However, this condition is not entirely due to lifestyle choices, health conditions, or laziness.
Some individuals have needed more sleep since birth than others.
A new study by scientists at Massachusetts General Hospital has revealed that some people are born needing more sleep than others, and some are “born to sleep.”
The researchers analyzed genetic information from approximately 452,633 individuals to reach their conclusions. Participants in the study shared information about their napping frequency during the day, with three options: never or rarely, occasionally, and frequently.
Dr. Hassan Dashti, the lead researcher, stated: “Napping remains a controversial topic; it is important to uncover the biological reasons behind why some people need to nap more.”
To achieve accurate results, the research team provided participants with activity trackers and accelerometers to record sleep data.
During the data analysis, scientists identified three mechanisms related to napping.
The first two mechanisms indicate that people nap during the day simply because they are sleep-deprived at night or have to wake up too early. The third mechanism suggests that some individuals need to nap more because their bodies require longer sleep for no apparent reason.
Hassan Dashti noted: “These results show us that napping is biologically related; it is not merely a behavioral choice or an environmental influence.”
The study’s data revealed 123 regions in the human genome associated with napping, most of which are found in sleepy individuals. Some genetic traits linked to napping and other health issues include hypertension. Other napping-related genes are associated with a type of neuropeptide called orexin, which plays a role in maintaining wakefulness in humans.
The final results of the study have yet to be published, as scientists wish to continue exploring the correlation between napping and health issues.
