Do You Have the Sleepy Gene?
Research by the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine published earlier this week in the journal Neurology may reveal why some people are more prone to yawning and/or tossing and turning in bed than others.
Those with a gene variant DQB1*0602 were more likely to be sleepier, light sleepers and fatigued -- even after an extended night of sleep.
CBS News Medical Correspondent Dr. Jennifer Ashton said on "The Early Show" the small study looked at about 130 people.
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She said, "They really found those who had this gene slept less soundly, had less deep sleep, less REM sleep and were more fatigued when given the same amount of sleep as people who didn't have the gene. So, if you've ever met someone who can function on four hours of sleep, and you need eight to feel as awake, you might be having this gene variant and they probably don't."
So if you find out you have that gene, what can you do to counter it?
Ashton said, "Well, it affects first of all estimated about 25 percent of the population. So, one in four of us could have this gene. And that, therefore, not feel as good during the day. But, look, we've spoke bit it here before, getting restful sleep is really, really important. Right now all the researchers are saying if you think you have this variant, add a little caffeine to your day to kind of pick you up, but again, have good sleep habits. This shows you really need more sleep than the person who does not have this variant."
"Early Show" co-anchor Harry Smith said, "You really believe sleep along with diet and exercise, if you really want to take care of yourself make sure you get a good night's sleep."
Ashton said, "That's correct, Harry. It requires the same discipline as good attention to diet and exercise. I really think it is on par with those two lifestyle factors."
Ashton recommended that people not do these things:
Nightcaps: "Drinking alcohol within about three hours of nighttime, it may initially make you feel more drowsy, but will disrupt the quality of your sleep.
Sleeping in Bed with Your Pets: A lot of people do. They think it's cute. They cuddle up with them. Pets do not have the same bedtime or sleep cycles we do. When the pets get up, it can wake you up.
Sleeping when Exhausted: "You might feel exhausted but that's different from feeling sleepy. If you come home from work, try not to go directly to sleep because you might find yourself awake two hours later."
How do you know if your sleeplessness is getting out of hand?
Ashton explained, "It's very, very important to recognize if your sleep problem persists over a period of time and/or it interferes with what you are able to do during the day, you really want to talk to your doctor. It could be due to medication. It could be due to depression, it could be due to heart disease. Frequently with people with heart disease will awaken and sit up, dangle their feet over the edge of the bed. You want to see your doctor about those. It could be a sign of something else."