Can insomnia be in your genes? According to your local NYC sleep doctor, it can! Scientists have been studying the subject for decades. Now, many believe that someone affected by insomnia will extend that to their family. The heritability of insomnia can differ from person to person when determining how likely they will pass on the effects of this sleep disorder.
Can Insomnia Be in Your Genes
Insomnia might be a part of your genes, but it isn’t the only source of insomnia. Nor is it a 100% guarantee that you will pass it on to your family. Let’s dive deeper into the part of genetics responsible for passing on insomnia and some external factors that can contribute to the development of this sleep issue.
Locating the Insomnia Gene
What part of the genes carries the likelihood of insomnia, and how common is it for those genes to be passed on to children? Some parts of the body likely carry these genes, such as the neurotransmitters in the brain that regulate sleep. Some scientists think that insomnia genes are connected to individual traits rather than a specific part of the body. Overall, some genes can carry insomnia with varying likelihoods of heritability.
External Contributors to Insomnia
It’s not just in the body; insomnia can be caused by external sleep disruptors. It’s no secret that stress can affect our sleep, and it is one of the biggest contributors to insomnia in the world. Not only that, but stress can actually change genes themselves.
This is known as epigenetics, and it is the phenomenon of life events and stressors changing the genetic code of cells. Your DNA can literally change to adapt to the environment in your life. If you have developed insomnia as a response to undue stress or poor mental health, it may be written into your genes for you to pass on.
Signs of Insomnia
Difficulty falling asleep at night is the most commonly known symptom of insomnia. If you have trouble falling or staying asleep on most nights, you may be struggling with this sleep disorder. But there are other symptoms you should be aware of as well:
- Trouble focusing on tasks
- Memory problems
- Constant fatigue during the day
- Waking up too early
- Waking up frequently throughout the night
- Increased depression and anxiety
- Sudden irritability
- Trouble going to the bathroom
Insomnia can lead to problems with the heart, blood, and lungs. It can even have a poor effect on your dental health. But that doesn’t mean you are doomed to pass it on to your offspring or even live with these unbearable symptoms forever. There are real and feasible treatments available.
Diagnosis and Treatment
When you visit your local sleep doctor, you will receive a proper diagnosis and treatment plan that is specific to you. Rooting out the source of your insomnia is a crucial part of finding the best type of treatment. Whether through stress or illness, you can seek additional care to tend to all aspects of your health in order to feel more secure and comfortable by bedtime.
Some of the most common treatments include cognitive behavioral therapy and prescription medications to aid in the reintroduction of proper sleep patterns. Visit your medical specialist today to get in touch with your sleep health.
Treat Your Insomnia the Right Way!
At Sleep MD NYC, we offer the most innovative treatments to solve your sleeping troubles. If you are feeling more irritable than usual, have trouble falling asleep, or find yourself stressed out at night, get in touch with one of our specialists. Learn more about getting the best insomnia treatment in NYC when you call us today!
