Surprising genetic link between anorexia and sleep habits
[Jan. 9, 2024: JD Shavit, The Brighter Side of News]
Behaviors, such as depression, binge eating disorder, and schizophrenia, anorexia nervosa appears to have a morning connection. (CREDIT: Creative Commons)
In a groundbreaking study published in JAMA Network Open, researchers from Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH), in collaboration with University College London and the University of the Republic in Uruguay, have shed light on a unique association between anorexia nervosa and early rising.
Unlike many other psychiatric disorders that often correlate with evening-based behaviors, such as depression, binge eating disorder, and schizophrenia, anorexia nervosa appears to have a morning connection.
This study also uncovered a potential link between anorexia nervosa and insomnia, offering a deeper understanding of the intricate relationship between eating disorders, the circadian clock, and sleep.
Previous research had hinted at a connection between eating disorders and the body's internal circadian clock, which regulates various biological functions, including sleep patterns and influences nearly every organ in the body.
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Building upon these hints, the researchers aimed to delve deeper into this relationship by examining the genes associated with anorexia nervosa, the circadian clock, and various sleep traits, particularly insomnia.
To investigate this, the investigators employed a statistical method called Mendelian Randomization, which allows them to explore how genes associated with one trait might influence other traits of interest. For instance, they examined the sleep patterns of individuals with genetic variations that increased their likelihood of developing anorexia nervosa, thus providing evidence of the link between anorexia nervosa and sleep.
The study unveiled a two-way connection between genes associated with anorexia nervosa and genes linked to "morning chronotype," which entails waking up early and going to bed early. This discovery suggests that being an early riser could potentially elevate the risk of developing anorexia nervosa, while anorexia nervosa might, in turn, lead to an earlier wake time. Additionally, the researchers found a correlation between anorexia nervosa and insomnia.
MR Primary Analyses Results for the Associations Between Anorexia Nervosa and Chronotype and Sleep Traits. (CREDIT: JAMA)
Taking their investigation further, the scientists assessed the insomnia connection using the Mass General Brigham Biobank, creating a "genetic risk score" for anorexia nervosa. The results revealed a significant association between the genetic risk score and a heightened risk of insomnia.
Senior author Hassan S. Dashti, PhD, RD, an assistant investigator in the Department of Anesthesia, Critical Care, and Pain Medicine at MGH, as well as an assistant professor of anesthesia at Harvard Medical School, highlighted the significance of these findings.
MR Secondary Analyses Results for the Associations Between Anorexia Nervosa and Chronotype and Sleep Traits. (CREDIT: JAMA)
He stated, "Our findings implicate anorexia nervosa as a morning disorder in contrast to most other evening-based psychiatric diseases and support the association between anorexia nervosa and insomnia as seen in earlier studies."
Anorexia nervosa is a severe and life-threatening eating disorder with limited treatment options, often plagued by relapse rates as high as 52%. Moreover, the exact cause of this complex disease remains elusive. With the second-highest mortality rate among psychiatric disorders, more research is imperative to develop effective prevention strategies and treatments.
Associations Between Polygenic Risk Score for Anorexia Nervosa and Anorexia Nervosa and Sleep Disorders in the Mass General Brigham Biobank (n = 47 082)a. (CREDIT: JAMA)
Lead author of the study, Hannah Wilcox, a researcher at MGH, acknowledged the urgent need for further exploration into the clinical implications of their findings. She stated, "The clinical implications of our new findings are currently unclear; however, our results could direct future investigations into circadian-based therapies for anorexia nervosa prevention and treatment."
As we strive to address the pressing need for improved anorexia nervosa treatments and prevention strategies, the study paves the way for innovative circadian-based therapies that may hold the key to better outcomes for those suffering from this devastating disorder.
This research was supported by the National Institutes of Health.
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