WEEKLY UPDATE: August 22, 2019SUMMARY: Identification of 42 novel genetic variants related to excessive daytime sleepiness and other sleep-related disorders. DESCRIPTION: For some, being sleepy during the day is not because they stayed up too late binge-watching the latest TV show. More than 1 in 10 people are affected by excessive daytime sleepiness, which can be a broader symptom of many sleep-related disorders like sleep apnea and narcolepsy. This study examined the genetic data of over 450,000 individuals of European ancestry who reported how sleepy they feel during the day. This analysis identified 42 novel genetic variants associated with excessive daytime sleepiness. These variants explained 6.9% of the heritability of daytime sleepiness. Some variants appeared to be related to falling asleep (sleep propensity), while others appeared to be related to staying asleep (sleep fragmentation). Furthermore, the study discovered correlations between excessive sleepiness and other disorders, including coronary artery disease and neuroticism. DID YOU KNOW? Sticking to a sleep schedule and having a bedtime routine can help both ease your body into sleep and help you stay asleep. [SOURCE]