{"id":447,"date":"2014-10-02T00:01:41","date_gmt":"2014-10-02T07:01:41","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.sleepjunkie.org\/?p=447"},"modified":"2024-03-31T10:44:00","modified_gmt":"2024-03-31T17:44:00","slug":"your-sleep-phenotype-and-what-it-means","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/healthysleep.org\/sleep-resources\/your-sleep-phenotype-and-what-it-means\/","title":{"rendered":"Your Sleep Phenotype and What It Means"},"content":{"rendered":"

Have you ever noticed that some people wake up beaming before sunrise, while others don\u2019t seem to shine until evening hours?<\/span><\/p>\n

It\u2019s not simply preference or habit\u2013how and when we sleep is actually managed by genetics to some degree. Called phenotypes in the science world, see how these biological preferences work and what they mean for you.<\/span><\/p>\n

What is a Sleep Phenotype?<\/h2>\n

A phenotype<\/a> in genetics is a set of observable characteristics that result from the interaction of one\u2019s genotype (instructions carried with genetic codes) with the environment.<\/span><\/p>\n

It basically refers to how genetic information is expressed in reality. Phenotypes are the observable things like eye color, hair color, height, shoe size, some behaviors and other traits.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Now in terms of sleep, studies have confirmed a significant heritability<\/a> of usual bedtimes, sleepiness and sleep duration with links to genes that regulate various components of the circadian clock.<\/p>\n

Sleep phenotype (also known as chronotype) refers to an observable pattern of behaviors with genetic links, in this case, tendencies toward earlier bedtimes and wake times or later bedtimes and wake times, and schedules in between.<\/span><\/p>\n

Health & Habits: What Sleep Phenotypes Mean for You<\/h2>\n

Researchers are interested in phenotypes for the insights they can provide on behaviors, health, and other related or associated expressions.<\/p>\n

You don\u2019t need genetic testing to figure out your sleep phenotype\u2014simply consider your sleep habits and normal schedule. Think about when you naturally fall asleep and wake up when you aren\u2019t using an alarm clock or don\u2019t have to get up at a specific time for work or school.<\/p>\n

Several studies have linked sleep habits with specific traits or health concerns, which can be helpful to know about. Read on to see what research has found regarding early and late sleep phenotypes.<\/span><\/p>\n

Early Birds<\/h3>\n

The early phenotype or \u201clark\u201d naturally goes to sleep earlier, around 9 to 10 pm, and wakes earlier, around 4 to 6am. Some extreme \u201clarks\u201d may feel pulled towards an even earlier schedule.<\/span><\/p>\n

Habits of Early Birds:<\/h4>\n