Gene Controlling Circadian Rhythms May Be Involved In Onset Of Bipolar Disorder

Gene Controlling Circadian Rhythms May Be Involved In Onset Of Bipolar Disorder

Basically the "Clock gene" (the gene that regulates sleep) appears to be intimately involved in bipolar syndrome. Both Lithium and the gene's protein given to mice exhibiting manic behavior returned to normal behavior. So for all you bi polars out there who have a sleep disorder ( like me ) the two are apparently related.

redcinco5: I have DSPS

redcinco5: I have delayed sleep phase syndrome.: "It basically boils down to an inconsistency between what is the 'established norm' for circadian rhythms and exposure to light. I can sleep normally and I am fully capable of achieving deep-wave sleep, however the onset of it is much later than normal.

According to tests I begin to process the hormone melatonin around 12:45 am, thus making my theoretical sleep time sometime around 2:45-3:15am. I typically awake around noon or so. This isn't normal and has to do with a variety of influences..."

[I like how easily he describes what DSPS is]

BBSRC New Investigator Award given to Surrey academic for research into genes and the body clock

BBSRC New Investigator Award given to Surrey academic for research into genes and the body clock: "Dr Simon Archer of the University of Surrey School of Biomedical and Molecular Sciences has recently been granted a Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) New Investigator Award for £380,948 over three years to further his research into circadian clock gene polymorphisms, or how differences in DNA sequences among individuals, groups, or populations can affect body clocks to make them ‘larks’ or ‘owls’ with regards sleep and sleeping patterns.

The grant, which will enable the employment of a full-time postdoctorate researcher, will specifically allow Dr Archer to study in more depth the two different variants of the PER3 polymorphism that he has already shown to be associated with extreme morning preference and delayed sleep phase syndrome."

Melatonin and Sleep Disturbances

Melatonin and Sleep Disturbances: "Of the 61 subjects who answered the questionnaire, 59 (96.7%) reported that the treatment improved their condition, while only two (3.3%) reported that the treatment had not helped them at all. Furthermore, 31 (50.8%) of the subjects reported that the change took place within less than one week, 17 (27.9%) within one to two weeks, nine (14.8%) within two to four weeks and two (3.3%) after a month. Side effects were minimal. Thirty-five of the subjects (57.4%) reported no side effects, 21 (34.4%) reported slight fatigue, and five (8.2%) experienced headaches or nausea. None of the women reported menstrual changes. Of the 59 subjects who found the treatment helpful, 54 (91.5%) reported a relapse to their pretreatment sleeping patterns within one year of stopping the melatonin. Only 17 (28.8%) reported that the relapse occurred within one week."

All Headline News - Researchers Advocate Melatonin Use - May 5, 2006

All Headline News - Researchers Advocate Melatonin Use - May 5, 2006: "London, England (AHN) - Researchers from the Divisions of Sleep Medicine at Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Harvard Medical School have found that melatonin, taken orally during non-typical sleep times, significantly improves an individual’s ability to sleep.

These latest findings are particularly important for rotating or night-shift workers, travelers with jet lag and individuals with advanced or delayed sleep phase syndrome."

Best Time to Take Melatonin?

Best Time to Take Melatonin?: "May 3, 2006 -- A new study shows that timing may count when taking melatonin supplements."

Melatonin Most Effective For Sleep When Taken For Off-Hour Sleeping

Sleep Disorder and Apnea > Melatonin Most Effective For Sleep When Taken For Off-Hour Sleeping

(PERSONAL NOTE: I have DSPS and take 3mg of Melatonin a night around 10pm and it does WONDERS for my sleep schedule. However, doses larger than 3mg have had negative long term affects on me. 3mg is more than enough for me and starts working within 30 minutes).