Insomnia could be in our genes, researchers from the Exter University in the UK identified 57 genes associated with symptoms of insomnia, affecting 10 to 20 percent people worldwide. Their findings confirm a role for genetics in insomnia symptoms and expand upon the four previously found gene loci for this condition.
All of these identified regions help researchers understand why some people get insomnia, which pathways and systems are affected, and point to possible new therapeutic targets. The team also found evidence that increased insomnia symptoms nearly doubled the risk of coronary artery disease. They were also linked to symptoms of depression and a reduced sense of well-being.
Insomnia has a really significant impact on millions of people worldwide. Its long known there’s a link between insomnia and chronic disease. Now the findings suggest that depression and heart disease are actually a result of persistent insomnia. For the study, the team analyzed data from more than 4.5 lakh participants, 29 percent of whom reported frequent insomnia symptoms.
