What new consumer tests can—and can’t—reveal about your Zs
Genetic discoveries are being made at a tremendous pace, and I’m excited that genes related to many sleep disorders are among those finds. All this new genetic research may one day play a role in helping doctors understand who is at risk and perhaps help tailor a remedy for them. Some genes are already being tested for through common consumer DNA test kits.
So far, research has found that narcolepsy, the disorder of extreme excessive sleepiness, has been mapped to a particular gene (HLA-DQB1*06:02). Restless legs syndrome has a strong genetic tie—60% of cases are thought to be familial, and four genes have been linked to the disorder.
Outside of diagnosable disorders, tendencies such as being a night owl or morning lark are linked to specific, testable genes (perhaps as many as 15 or more). Even our ability to deal with inadequate sleep has recently been mapped to a gene. Recently, scientists in San Diego discovered genes that may play a role in the double-whammy problem of insomnia and connected mood disorders like depression.
Where Can You Get Genetic Sleep Tests?
23andMe has already introduced a limited genetic “sleep” report, evaluating two genes that may impact sleep-disruptive limb movements: The BTBD9 gene has been found in people with restless legs, and variations in the ADA gene have been seen in individuals with deep sleep deficiency. Understanding your genetic risk for diseases like restless legs syndrome may help your doctor more quickly diagnose and precisely treat your specific sleep disorder.
The company ORIG3N promises an even more comprehensive look into its clients’ sleep. One of the ORIG3N employees offered me a sneak peak at some of the upcoming tests it plans to offer. Let’s just say, the look at your sleep characteristics promises to be quite comprehensive. ORIG3N is already offering parents the chance to find out if their child needs as much sleep as his peers by evaluating the ARNTL gene, but there’s soon to be much more.
We provide quick and convenient sleep evaluations in your home, in and around the greater Montreal area. We test patients every year for sleep disorders both common and rare.