You Might Have Neanderthal DNA If You Are a Morning Person

Have you ever wondered why some people effortlessly wake up with the first light of dawn, while others hit the snooze button multiple times? The secret may lie in our ancient Neanderthal DNA.

Recent research suggests that remnants of Neanderthal DNA present in modern humans could provide insights into why some of us are natural early risers. But do morning people really have that type of DNA?

There Might Be Neanderthal DNA If You Are a Morning Person

New research published in Genome Biology and Evolution suggests that some people today may owe their ability to wake up early to DNA inherited from Neanderthal ancestors tens of thousands of years ago.

When early humans migrated from Africa to Eurasia about 70,000 years ago, interbreeding with Neanderthals, who were adapted to colder climates, occurred. This genetic legacy persists today, with modern humans of non-African descent carrying between 1 and 4 percent Neanderthal DNA.

Neanderthal Genetic Influence and Waking Up Early

The presence of Neanderthal DNA in modern humans includes genetic variants related to the circadian rhythm, influencing sleep patterns such as early rising. Researchers compared DNA from modern humans with that from Neanderthal fossils, discovering shared genetic markers linked to the circadian rhythm in both groups. Moreover, modern humans carrying these variants tend to report being early risers.

Scientists suggest that for Neanderthals, the advantage of carrying genes related to the circadian rhythm may not have been simply about being “morning people.” Rather, these genes likely provided them with faster and more adaptable internal body clocks, enabling them to adjust more effectively to seasonal changes in daylight.

John Capra, a co-author of the study and evolutionary geneticist at the University of California San Francisco, explains that a faster internal clock tends to make individuals earlier risers and better able to adapt to seasonal changes.

Mark Maslin, an earth systems scientist at University College London who was not involved in the research, agrees, suggesting this correlation aligns well with the human historical context.

Adapting to Daylight Hours for the First Time

Early humans migrating north out of Africa encountered varying daylight hours for the first time, with shorter winter days and longer summer days. Neanderthals’ circadian rhythm genes likely assisted the offspring of these early humans in adapting to these environmental changes.

Mark Maslin, spoke to the Guardian and explained that in tropical Africa where humans originally evolved, days averaged 12 hours in length, providing ample time for hunting and gathering. However, as humans moved northward, especially during winters with scarce food, shorter daylight hours necessitated earlier food collection.

Sleep Patterns and Beyond: What Can We Expect Next?

The study suggests that while Neanderthal genes may have influenced the sleep patterns of some early risers, other factors such as social and environmental influences also play significant roles. Limited to DNA from individuals in the United Kingdom, the study’s findings may not universally apply to all modern humans. Researchers aim to expand their investigation to other genetic databases to explore broader ancestry groups.

If confirmed across diverse populations, these findings could potentially inform strategies for improving sleep health in contemporary society, according to Carl Zimmer of the New York Times.

Do you think there is a bit of Neanderthal DNA in a morning person?

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