You’re not lazy, you just have a gene mutation

CAIRO-25 JUNE 2017: Researchers have discovered that whether you are a night owl or an early bird, a deep sleeper or a well-rested light sleeper, it all depends on your genes.

Sleep plays a vital role in our body, however scientists are still trying to understand how it works. It is the one thing that humans have in common with other mammals and most animals.

A research study done by 23 and me and San Jose State University reports that there are 15 genes that predetermine our preference for mornings.

Although the morning marks the start of our day, there is a universal misconception that everyone is more productive in the morning. This research debunks this myth and says that some people are more productive during the evenings because of their genes.

According to Washington State University researchers, there is a gene that predetermines the quality of sleep you receive called FABP7. This means it may not be your fault if you always feel restless.

After experimenting on mice and discovering this gene, the same gene was found present in humans serving the same function. Those with a mutation in the FABP7 gene have better, deeper and more relaxing sleep. This means that you get a good night sleep only if you have a genetic mutation.

According to researcher and statistical geneticist Dr. David Hinds, sleep preferences are affected by other factors such as “gender, increasing age, body mass index, insomnia, sleep walking and depression.”

Research has also discovered that some people could function on short sleep, up to six hours, and not feel restless. We all wish we were that person who pulls an all-nighter and rests for three hours only and wake up like they have a sugar rush.

Only few researches have touched upon this subject, however none have had access to the amount of genetic information that 23andme has. 23andme collects people’s DNA to determine ancestry and uses their genetic sequence for genetic research.