On the genetics of sleep disorders: genome-wide association studies and beyond

Abstract

See, stats, and : https : //www. researchgate. net/ publication / 281840576 On : genome-wide association Article DOI : 10 . 2147 / AGG. S57139 CITATIONS 2 READS 38 1 : Some : Genetic stock Michael Mrc 41 SEE All . The . All - text and , letting . Abstract : Sleep is an essential behavior , yet much of its underlying functions are still unknown . The disruption of sleep can led to a variety of health consequences . Family and twin studies have together shown that genetic factors underlie variation in sleep characteristics and sleep disorders . Given the importance of sleep to our well - being , understanding its underlying genetic factors is essential to both the prevention and treatment of these disorders . Recently , genome - wide association studies (GWAS) have helped to provide evidence of associations of both known and novel genetic variants with sleep disorders . This review outlines the findings from GWAS for a number of sleep disorders , including insomnia , restless leg syndrome , obstructive sleep apnea , and narcolepsy , and discusses these findings in the context of supporting evidence from independent methodologies . Finally , the limitations of GWAS approaches are outlined , along with the future directions of the genetics of sleep in the post - GWAS era .