Anorexia Nervosa Linked to Early Rising and Increased Insomnia Risk
Introduction
Researchers have found that individuals with anorexia nervosa typically rise early, contrasting many other mental disorders often linked with evening chronotypes. An associated increased risk of insomnia in those individuals has also been noted. This research employs genetic analysis to uncover a two-way connection between genes linked to anorexia nervosa and morning chronotype.
Key Facts
- Anorexia nervosa has a distinct correlation with being an early riser, unlike other disorders usually connected to evening chronotypes.
- The research applied Mendelian Randomization to investigate the relationship between anorexia nervosa, circadian genes, and sleep characteristics.
- The results may lead to fresh prevention and treatment strategies for anorexia nervosa, a psychological disorder with a high mortality rate.
The study, produced in partnership Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH), University College London, and the University of the Republic in Uruguay, was published in JAMA Network Open.
Anorexia Nervosa and Circadian Rhythms
Previous research suggested a potential link between eating disorders and the body’s internal clock, or the circadian clock, controlling a wide range of biological functions. This study deepens understanding of this link by exploring genes involved with anorexia nervosa, the circadian clock, and various sleep traits including insomnia.
Genetic Analysis and Findings
Researchers applied Mendelian Randomization, a statistical method, to measure how genes associated with a specific trait affect other traits. They discovered a two-way connection between genes related to anorexia nervosa and genes linked to morning chronotype. Notably, being an early riser might increase the risk of having anorexia nervosa, and having anorexia nervosa could result in an earlier wake time. A connection between anorexia nervosa and insomnia was also found.
Future Implications
Implications of these findings are not immediately clear, but they may spur investigations into circadian-based therapies as potential prevention and treatment strategies for anorexia nervosa. Given that anorexia nervosa treatment options are currently limited and the disease has the second-highest mortality rate of psychiatric conditions, this research underlines the pressing need for further investigation.
Source and Credit
The study was led by Hannah Wilcox at MGH and received support from the National Institutes of Health. Other authors include Valentina Paz, MSc, Richa Saxena, PhD, John W. Winkelman, MD, PhD, and Victoria Garfield, PhD.
Personal Statement: As a psychiatrist, this research presents a fascinating link between genetic traits and behavioral patterns seen in anorexia nervosa patients, renewing the urgency for developing fresh approaches towards treatment and prevention.
Dr Benjamin Thomas Smith, MD, Cure of Mind