Scientists Identify Gene that may Cause Higher Levels of Drowsiness

Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine in Philadelphia have found a genetic link between people with higher levels of drowsiness when sleep deprived than those who do not have this gene. The gene is called DQB1*0602. It has been linked to cases of narcolepsy, although not all carriers develop narcolepsy, and not all patients with this condition are carriers for the disease. The study was conducted by giving the subjects 2 nights of complete rest (10 hours of sleep), and then 5 nights of 4 hours of sleep where the subjects were kept up in well lit rooms and their diets restricted from caffeine, bananas, excesses of vitamins and other substances that could influence the waking state. The subjects with the gene did not preform as well on tests for mental capabilities, and had higher levels of drowsiness. They also woke up more during the night and spent less time in deep sleep and stage 3 sleep, regardless of what amount of sleep they were getting. When they were sleep deprived, these differences were more pronounced. Doctors say that this could influence which people need caffeine or other substances that people use to stay awake. This could also affect the workplace when people witch to night shifts, as well as travelers who may experience jet lag and the drowsiness that results from it.

This is especially interesting to me because I have troubles with drowsiness, and I often go without enough sleep to make sure that I get my work done. More knowledge about sleep could help people like me have better sleeping habits and not feel so bad during the day. Knowledge of this subject could also help people be aware of potential sleep problems that may cause them to become dependent on unhealthy amounts of caffeine or energy drinks to try and stay awake.

Tyler Terrill

http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/205870.php