Genetic Link between Insomnia and Anxiety
According to the CDC, insomnia, anxiety disorder and depression combined affect a third of the United States population as they are some the most common diagnosed neurological disorders. Recently, the question has been raised asking if there could be some sort of link between the disorders. According to a HealthDay News article published on June 8th U.S. researchers identified a potential link between anxiety and insomnia in adolescents.
The researchers conducted a study comprised of 749 pairs of monozygotic twins and 687 pairs of dizygotic twins age 9 to 17. After analyzing numerous data, the researchers were able to conclude that the shared genetic effects between insomnia, depression and anxiety disorder suggest the disorders are linked.
The findings will be presented to the Associated Professional Sleep Societies annual meeting on Monday. To stay up to date on break neurological news visit the NorthShore University HealthSystem’s neuroscience department.
