Around a third of people in the UK suffer from insomnia, but can the symptoms be hereditary?
Insomnia is the name given to a chronic difficulty falling or staying asleep. Sufferers remain awake and lacking the benefits of quality sleep, even when they feel fatigued and wanting to gain a solid night’s rest.
The condition is one of the most common sleep complaints in the UK, impacting as many as one in three Brits according to the NHS. And it can make a good night’s sleep feel like a far-flung dream.
Understanding insomnia can help you manage your symptoms effectively, and tackle some of the contributing factors that are causing sleep troubles. One of the most frequently asked questions surrounding the sleep disorder is whether it runs in families.
Is insomnia hereditary?
There have been numerous studies on whether insomnia is more likely when the disorder is already present in the family, and the consensus of experts is that you can be genetically predisposed to insomnia. However, rather than making insomnia inevitable, certain genes may increase your risk of suffering from the disorder. A study published in the National Library of Medicine, Biotech Information found that heritability accounts for 31% to 58% of your likelihood of experiencing insomnia.
This isn’t that surprising, as many elements of sleep have a hereditary component. A 2019 study published in Nature Communications found that genes influence your body’s natural inclination to sleep at certain times, essentially impacting your likelihood to be an early bird or a night owl.
What other factors cause insomnia?
Of course, genetics isn’t the only factor that can increase your likelihood of suffering from insomnia. Stress and anxiety can also make you more likely to come up against sleepless nights, as can lifestyle factors like shift work, jet lag or drinking alcohol, and a poor sleep environment. If your bedroom is too light, noisy or hot, you may find it harder to drift off when your head hits the pillow.
A wealth of wider health concerns can have insomnia as a common symptom, such as acid reflux, Parkinson’s disease, depression, schizophrenia and infections or injuries. Taking steps to manage these conditions can in turn help with insomnia symptoms.
What are the symptoms of insomnia?
Simply put, insomnia describes the struggle to fall or stay asleep. This can lead to a range of other symptoms, such as daytime sleepiness, irritability and mood swings, lack of focus and finding it difficult to concentrate.
Insomnia becomes chronic when it lasts for longer than three months. Not getting the sleep you need can make you more likely to suffer from other health conditions too, such as type 2 diabetes and coronary heart disease.
How do you deal with insomnia effectively?
If there is an obvious cause for your insomnia, tackling this cause can help you improve your sleep quality and feel more rested. There are also simple changes you can make to your bedroom routine and environment to promote better sleep.
Aim to go to bed and wake up at the same time every day, relaxing for at least an hour before bed without using screens. This might involve taking a bath, reading or stretching. Make sure your bedroom is quiet, dark and cool, with comfortable and supportive pillows, covers and mattress.
Exercising during the day can help your body feel more ready for sleep when bedtime comes. You should also stop smoking, drinking alcohol or having tea or coffee at least six hours before going to bed.
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