2023-11-12 16:46:17
New Study Finds Genes Play a Role in Quality and Quantity of Children’s Sleep
A recent study has revealed that genes have a significant impact on the quality and quantity of children’s sleep. While some children sleep like a baby, others may experience difficulties falling asleep and wake up frequently throughout the night.
Sleep is crucial for overall health and well-being, particularly in children, as it aids in growth, brain development, and learning. Children who experience sleep problems at a young age are more likely to develop mood and anxiety disorders, attention and learning issues, as well as obesity later in life. Identifying and addressing sleep problems in children is key to preventing these potential health issues.
The study, which focused on approximately 2,500 children from birth to adolescence, analyzed genetic variants associated with insomnia and sleep duration in adults to determine their impact on children’s sleep. The researchers used a ‘polygenic risk score’ to estimate the influence of genes on developing certain traits or diseases.
Results showed that children who were genetically more predisposed to insomnia tended to experience more sleep problems, waking up regularly during the night or having difficulty falling asleep. On the other hand, children genetically predisposed to sleeping longer actually slept for longer durations but were also found to be more awake at night during adolescence.
According to lead author Desana Kocevska from the Netherlands Institute for Neuroscience, the findings indicate that genetic susceptibility to poor sleep also applies to children, emphasizing the importance of early recognition and prevention of sleep problems in childhood.
The study also highlighted the disadvantages of poor sleep, revealing that individuals with sleep problems may find it more challenging to process unpleasant experiences. Restless REM sleep can hinder the brain’s ability to properly disconnect the emotional network, leading to the carryover of emotional and physical responses to the next day.
Overall, the study’s findings offer valuable insight into the root causes and consequences of sleep problems in children, with the hope of ultimately providing better treatment to improve sleep quality and overall well-being.]
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