Tag Archives: morning

How Shifting Induction Time to Early Morning Can Reduce Labor Duration by 6 Hours

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For an efficient labor, opt for induction early in the morning.

Yulia Burmystrova/Getty Images

Innovative research indicates that the optimal time for labor induction is early in the morning. This approach aligns with our natural circadian rhythms, potentially shortening labor duration and decreasing the likelihood of C-sections.

“This cost-effective strategy enhances the birthing experience for mothers, newborns, and healthcare providers alike,” notes Hanne Hoffman from Michigan State University.

Across the UK, US, and Australia, approximately one-third of all births are induced, utilizing medication or artificial methods instead of allowing labor to commence spontaneously. Induction generally mitigates the risk of stillbirth, especially when the baby is overdue or facing developmental issues. Another indication for induction is when the water breaks prematurely, heightening the risk of infection.

However, induced labor can often be longer than natural labor. “I know individuals who underwent labor induction and endured two lengthy days of it; I was astonished by their prolonged and painful experiences,” Hoffman shares.

This prompted Hoffman, who investigates circadian rhythms—our body’s natural oscillations—to contemplate whether a specific time of day is ideal for labor induction. “We observe that natural childbirth follows a circadian rhythm, with uterine contractions peaking in the late evening and deliveries primarily occurring at night,” she adds. This timing may have evolved as it offers a safer environment, reducing predator threats.

To further explore this, Hoffman and her team analyzed data from over 3,000 induced deliveries at Michigan hospitals from 2019 to 2022. They discovered that the shortest labor duration was for those induced between 3 a.m. and 9 a.m. For instance, inductions at 5 a.m. averaged 15 hours, while those at 11 p.m. took around 21 hours—an extension of six hours. Those induced in the morning also faced lower chances of emergency C-sections.

The early morning advantage may stem from heightened uterine receptor sensitivity to oxytocin during this timeframe, a crucial hormone that stimulates uterine contractions during childbirth. For inductions, a synthetic oxytocin is typically administered. “When a doctor initiates labor with a substantial dose of oxytocin, you may, in essence, be capitalizing on your body’s internal morning oxytocin boost and intensifying labor,” explains Satchidananda Panda from the Salk Institute for Biological Studies in San Diego, California.

The findings suggest that women with a higher BMI or first-time mothers benefit significantly from early morning inductions. The research team now aims to delve into the biological mechanisms behind these outcomes.

While organizing all labor inductions between 3 a.m. and 9 a.m. may not be feasible for all hospitals, prioritizing first-time mothers and patients with higher BMI could be beneficial, Hoffman posits.

Crucially, this study indicated no medical complications arising from early morning inductions. “We observed no rise in NICU admissions,” emphasizes Rene Cortese from the University of Kansas Medical Center. “This study sends a vital message: while one risk is diminished, no new risks are introduced.”

The research team is eager to conduct additional studies to validate that assigning early morning delivery actually enhances outcomes. “We need to establish a proof-of-concept study to replicate this finding,” shares Hoffman.

Other chronotherapy approaches, which adjust medical interventions based on circadian rhythms, are being explored across oncology, cardiology, and psychiatry, with recent findings indicating that administering cancer treatments before 3 p.m. can improve patient survival rates.

Topics:

  • Pregnancy and Childbirth/
  • Circadian Rhythm

Source: www.newscientist.com

New Research Indicates Morning Caffeine Enhances Mood

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Recent studies indicate that caffeine intake is linked to a notable positive impact, particularly strong within the initial 2.5 hours after waking up (i.e., in the morning).

Individuals who regularly consume caffeine often report feeling better after having coffee or other caffeinated beverages. This effect is noticeable until late morning. Image credit: Sci.News.

“Caffeine is a stimulant for the central nervous system utilized by approximately 80% of the global population and is available in various forms, including coffee, tea, sodas (like Coke), and chocolate.”

“Positive expectations surrounding caffeine use include alleviating fatigue, enhancing cognitive and physical performance, and promoting favorable mood changes.”

“There is a notable gap in research regarding the beneficial effects associated with caffeine in real-world circumstances, especially concerning mood and emotional states.”

The study involved 236 young adults from Germany over a duration of up to four weeks.

Participants answered a brief smartphone survey seven times daily.

This research aimed to explore caffeine consumption in both daily life and controlled laboratory scenarios.

The researchers also examined whether coffee affects individuals differently.

“We were somewhat surprised to find no significant differences among individuals with varying caffeine consumption levels, depressive symptoms, anxiety, or sleep issues,” remarked Dr. Hayenberger.

“The relationship between caffeine intake and emotional responses was largely consistent across all demographics.”

“We anticipated that individuals with higher anxiety levels would experience a decline in mood, including increased tension, after consuming caffeine.”

“However, those who have adverse reactions to caffeine may avoid it, and our study did not include participants who completely abstain from caffeine.”

Scientific findings explain the mood-boosting effects of caffeine on morning emotions, attributed to its ability to block adenosine receptors.

“Caffeine functions by inhibiting adenosine receptors, which can enhance dopamine activity in key brain regions; this phenomenon is linked to improved mood and increased alertness,” states Professor Anu Learro from Warwick University.

“Nonetheless, it’s still uncertain whether these effects are related to diminished withdrawal symptoms following a night’s sleep.”

“Even moderately caffeinated individuals might encounter mild withdrawal symptoms that resolve after their first coffee or tea in the morning.”

study will be published in the journal Scientific Reports.

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J. Haschenberger et al. 2025. Positive effects of association with caffeine consumption do not involve any negative effects changes throughout the day. Sci Rep 15, 28536; doi:10.1038/s41598-025-14317-0

Source: www.sci.news

The key to a flawless morning routine may surprise you

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Humans tend to mimic those they see as more successful to achieve a similar status, especially those with wealth, fame, and power. Many CEOs, celebrities, and fitness influencers share their routines claiming they lead to maximum productivity and continued success. These routines, like Mark Wahlberg’s early workouts and Grimes’ health routine, may seem extreme and are often at odds with the average person’s lifestyle and science.

Why do successful individuals promote such challenging routines? It may be to gain a sense of control in their unpredictable lives. Factors like the stock market, economic changes, and social media algorithms can create feelings of anxiety and instability, leading to the adoption of strict routines.

Successful people may adopt harsh routines to feel in control of their destiny, even if these habits seem illogical. Money and status may play a role in reinforcing extreme behaviors, as individuals strive to maintain their high status among their successful peers.

Successful people may leverage extreme routines to assert superiority and differentiate themselves from others. However, these routines may polarize groups and push individuals to more extreme behaviors over time.

While extreme routines may be associated with success, luck also plays a significant role in achieving success. Many highly successful individuals attribute their success to luck, which can create cognitive dissonance for those who prefer to believe in a fair and controlled world.

Ultimately, success is a complex interplay of various factors, including luck, discipline, hard work, and social advantages. Embracing the role of luck in success can help reconcile conflicting beliefs about the nature of success.

Source: www.sciencefocus.com

Drinking morning coffee could positively impact heart health

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Drinking coffee in the morning may be more strongly associated with a lower risk of death than drinking coffee later in the day, according to a new study led by scientists at Tulane University.

king others. This study highlights the importance of considering timing in the relationship between coffee intake and health outcomes. Image credit: Sci.News.

“Previous studies have shown that drinking coffee does not increase the risk of cardiovascular disease, but does increase the risk of some chronic diseases, such as type 2 diabetes,” said Lu Qi, a professor at Tulane University and lead author of the study. appears to be declining.”

“Given the effects of caffeine on our bodies, we wanted to know whether the time of day you drink coffee affects your heart health.”

The study included 40,725 adults who participated in the U.S. National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) between 1999 and 2018.

As part of the study, participants were asked about all the food and drinks they consumed in at least one day, including whether they drank coffee, when and how much they drank it.

The study also included a subgroup of 1,463 people who were asked to complete a detailed food and drink diary for one week.

Approximately 36% of the study participants were coffee drinkers in the morning (mostly coffee before noon), 16% were coffee drinkers throughout the day (morning, afternoon, and evening), and 48% were non-coffee drinkers.

Compared to non-coffee drinkers, those who drank coffee in the morning were 16% less likely to die from any cause and 31% less likely to die from cardiovascular disease.

However, the risk was not reduced for those who drank coffee throughout the day compared to those who did not drink coffee.

People who drank coffee in the morning, both moderate drinkers (2-3 cups) and heavy drinkers (more than 3 cups), benefited from a lower risk.

Those who drank less alcohol in the morning (one glass or less) benefited from a smaller risk reduction.

“This is the first study to test coffee drinking timing patterns and their health effects,” Professor Qi said.

“Our findings show that it’s not just whether or how much you drink coffee that matters, but the time of day you drink it.”

“We don’t usually give advice on timing in dietary guidance, but we might want to think about this in the future.”

“Further research is needed to validate the findings in other populations, and clinical trials are needed to test the potential effects of varying the times people drink coffee.”

of study Published today on european heart journal.

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Xuan Wang others. Timing of coffee drinking and mortality among U.S. adults. european heart journalpublished online on January 8, 2024. doi: 10.1093/eurheartj/ehae871

Source: www.sci.news

The optimal times to consume caffeine in the morning: a guide to maximize productivity.

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It’s not just called go juice. Caffeine is the most popular performance-enhancing drug in the world. It’s not a nutrient, but a drug, and it’s the most widely consumed psychoactive stimulant by humanity.

In the UK, 98 million cups of coffee are consumed every day. Apart from kickstarting your morning, it has been shown to enhance motor skills like muscle strength and endurance, as well as cognitive skills such as attention, reading speed, and problem-solving abilities.

“There’s a long list of substances believed to enhance performance,” says James Betts, Professor of Metabolic Physiology at the University of Bath. “But I would put caffeine at the top of that list because its effects are so powerful and consistent, affecting almost every tissue in the body.”

Fun fact: Coffee beans are actually seeds from the fruit of the coffee tree – Credit: Sam Brewster

These effects are driven by a diverse biology. Caffeine stimulates the nervous system, increases adrenaline, reduces fatigue, promotes fat burning for energy, and helps conserve glycogen stores, thus improving endurance.

Additionally, it blocks adenosine receptors, a neurotransmitter promoting sleep. This is why coffee makes us feel alert and energized. However, excessive caffeine consumption can lead to irritability, anxiety, and insomnia.

It’s important to time your caffeine intake correctly for optimal effects. Research by Betts suggests that consuming strong coffee after a night of poor sleep can impair blood sugar control over time.

Poor blood sugar control can increase the risk of diseases like type 2 diabetes and heart disease, emphasizing the importance of strategic caffeine consumption.

For improved performance during workouts or activities, Betts recommends consuming coffee 45 to 60 minutes before starting. The effects of caffeine are long-lasting, lasting up to one to two hours in heavy consumers and four to six hours in moderate consumers.

In the 16th century, coffee was banned in Mecca because it was believed to stimulate radical thinking – Photo credit: Getty

While caffeine can enhance cognitive tasks, excessive consumption can lead to poor academic performance due to disrupted sleep quality and daytime sleepiness.

Overall, Betts believes caffeine consumption, especially in the morning, is beneficial for waking up and functioning well throughout the day. It has been linked to preventing various diseases and promoting a healthy, active lifestyle.

About our experts

James Betts is a Professor of Metabolic Physiology at the University of Bath with expertise in nutrition, exercise, and metabolism.

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Source: www.sciencefocus.com

Webb verifies persistent temperature contrast on WASP-39b between morning and evening

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Astronomers used the NASA/ESA/CSA James Webb Space Telescope to obtain and analyze morning and evening transmission spectra of the hot Saturn exoplanet WASP-39b, which orbits a star about 700 light-years away in the constellation Virgo. The spectrum is best explained by a model in which the evening boundary is 177 K hotter than the morning boundary.

This diagram shows what WASP-39b might look like, based on our current understanding of planets. Image credit: NASA/ESA/CSA/Webb/J. Olmsted, STScI.

WASP-39b is a hot gas giant that orbits the G7 type star WASP-39 every 4.1 days.

First discovered in 2011, this alien world has roughly the same mass as Saturn, but is 50% larger.

The planet's extreme expansion is due in part to its high temperature (about 900 degrees Celsius or 1,652 degrees Fahrenheit).

“WASP-39b has become a kind of benchmark planet for the Webb mission's exoplanet atmospheric studies,” said Dr. Nestor Espinoza, an astronomer at the Space Telescope Science Institute.

“The planet has a bulging, puffy atmosphere, so the signal coming from the starlight passing through the planet's atmosphere is quite strong.”

Webb spectra of WASP-39b's atmosphere released so far have revealed the presence of carbon dioxide, sulfur dioxide, water vapor, and sodium, and show the entire day/night boundary, without any detailed attempt to distinguish one from the other.

Now, the new analysis constructs two different spectra from the terminator region, essentially splitting the day/night boundary into two semicircles: one from the evening and one from the morning.

According to Webb's data, evenings will be much hotter, reaching a scorching 800 degrees Celsius (1,450 degrees Fahrenheit), before easing into a cooler 600 degrees Celsius (1,150 degrees Fahrenheit) in the morning.

“It's really amazing that we were able to resolve this small difference, and this is thanks to Webb's sensitivity to near-infrared wavelengths and its extremely stable photometric sensor,” said Dr. Espinoza.

“Any movement of the instrument or the observatory while collecting data would severely limit our ability to make this detection. This has to be exceptionally precise, and Webb is just that precise.”

“We don't have a planet like this in our solar system, but most of the planets we observe orbiting distant stars have shorter orbits and are closer to us, like WASP-39b,” said Dr James Kirk, astronomer at Imperial College London.

“Now we can test theories about these planets and, for the first time, directly measure the morning and evening sides of an exoplanet across a wide range of wavelengths.”

This transmission spectrum, taken with Webb's NIRSpec (Near-Infrared Spectrometer) PRISM in Bright Object Time Series mode, shows the amount of different wavelengths (colors) of near-infrared stellar light blocked by WASP-39b's atmosphere. The spectrum shows clear evidence of water and carbon dioxide on the exoplanet, as well as morning and evening temperature variations. Image credit: NASA / ESA / CSA / Webb / R. Crawford, STScI.

Extensive modeling of the resulting data will also allow researchers to investigate the structure of WASP-39b's atmosphere, its cloud cover, and why it's hotter in the evenings.

While the team plans to next investigate how cloud cover affects temperature, and vice versa, the astronomers confirmed that the main cause of WASP-39b's temperature difference is the circulation of gas around the planet.

For highly irradiated exoplanets that orbit relatively close to their stars, like WASP-39b, researchers typically expect gas to shift as the planet rotates around the star: a strong equatorial jet stream should move hotter gas on the dayside from the evening to the nightside.

Because the temperature difference is so large, the pressure difference is also large, resulting in faster wind speeds.

Using the General Circulation Model, a 3-D model similar to those used to predict weather patterns on Earth, the astronomers found that on WASP-39b, prevailing winds tend to move from the nightside across the morning boundary, around the dayside, across the evening boundary, and then back around the nightside.

As a result, the morning side of the boundary is cooler than the evening side.

In other words, the morning side is hit by winds of air cooled by the night side, and in the evening it is hit by winds of air heated by the day side.

The study suggests that wind speeds on WASP-39b could reach thousands of kilometers per hour.

“This analysis is particularly interesting because it provides previously unavailable 3D information about the planet,” Dr Espinoza said.

“The fact that it's hotter on the evening edge means that it's a bit bulging, which means that in theory there's a little swell at the boundary approaching the night side of the planet.”

of study Published in this week's journal Nature.

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N. Espinosa othersThe uneven boundary surface of exoplanet WASP-39b. NaturePublished online July 15, 2024; doi: 10.1038/s41586-024-07768-4

This article is based on press releases from NASA and Imperial College London.

Source: www.sci.news

The Benefits of Enjoying Your Morning Coffee at 10am

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Waking up in the morning can be a challenge, and sometimes we need a little help to get going. For many, that help comes in the form of coffee, with its invigorating aroma and taste.

A dose of caffeine can boost your energy and alertness, providing a much-needed kickstart to your day. But when is the optimal time to enjoy your first cup?

“The stress hormone cortisol peaks in the early morning hours, helping us wake up and get moving,” explains Kirsten Jackson, founder of Food Treatment Clinic and a consultant nutritionist. “This rise in cortisol levels between 7 and 8 a.m. helps raise blood sugar levels, giving us the energy we need for the day ahead.”

Similar to cortisol, caffeine from coffee boosts energy levels and brain activity. However, consuming coffee when cortisol levels are already high may not be as effective in providing the desired energy boost.

To maximize the benefits of your coffee, it’s recommended to wait until later in the morning to enjoy your first cup. By aligning your coffee consumption with your body’s natural cortisol rhythms, you can make the most of its stimulating effects.

Cortisol levels typically peak in the morning, so having coffee at this time may not fully enhance its effects. Waiting until around 10-11 a.m. allows you to first benefit from your body’s natural wakefulness before enjoying the caffeine-induced stimulation.

When is the best time to drink coffee?

Considering factors like cortisol levels and caffeine’s impact on sleep cycles, it’s advised to avoid consuming coffee after noon to prevent sleep disruptions caused by lingering caffeine in your system.

“Drinking coffee later in the day can interfere with your ability to have a restful night’s sleep, as caffeine binds to adenosine receptors, inhibiting drowsiness,” Jackson explains.

By following a specific coffee drinking schedule, such as having a cup between 10 a.m. and 12 p.m., you can align your caffeine intake with your body’s natural rhythms and optimize its effects throughout the day.

About our experts

Kirsten Jackson, also known as the ‘IBS Dietitian’, is a registered dietitian specializing in Irritable Bowel Syndrome. She established the Food Treatment Clinic in 2015, offering expert gastroenterology advice for various conditions.

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Source: www.sciencefocus.com

Breaking the Morning Procrastination Cycle: Tried and True Methods

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If you frequently visit the “How to Be Productive” section of TikTok, you’ve probably encountered the latest strategies to maintain focus and avoid procrastination. The key is to start your day with a low dopamine routine.

According to the low dopamine trend in the morning, the activities you engage in during the first 90 minutes after waking up determine your brain’s cravings for the rest of the day.

If your first interaction after turning off your alarm is to open Facebook or Instagram, you’ll get your initial dopamine fix from your smartphone. As a result, when you’re working at your desk and find your focus slipping, you’ll find it difficult to resist reaching for your phone for another dopamine hit, as warned by TikTok.

Instead of engaging activities, low dopamine mornings focus on calming or mundane tasks. This approach prevents your brain from feeling a lack of dopamine when you start working.

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For instance, you can swap reading the morning news for a light chore, or replace a high-intensity workout with a leisurely walk, yoga session, or meditation.

However, the concept of low dopamine mornings is more complex than popular trends suggest. While dopamine is often dubbed the “reward chemical,” its functionality is multifaceted.

Neurotransmitters play a role in various bodily processes, including movement, attention regulation, milk production, and forming associations between activities and pleasure.

These associations are not limited to joyous experiences. Unpleasant stimuli can also trigger a dopamine release, reinforcing aversion to those activities.

Therefore, if you receive a morning dopamine rush from viewing a distressing news story, you might want to limit your phone scrolling rather than increase it.

Mornings with low dopamine often involve low-intensity exercises like walking or yoga. However, these activities can elevate dopamine levels. Conversely, exercises like running or weight training do not necessarily result in a dopamine release.

Research indicates that running on a treadmill for 30 minutes has no impact on dopamine levels in the brain.

Choosing to spend a morning without social media browsing or opting for time outdoors can still have benefits for cognitive function and overall well-being. However, the effect an activity has on dopamine does not determine its worthiness.

To enhance productivity and combat procrastination, it’s essential to assess your actions individually. If you find distractions from phone notifications or office noise, consider implementing strategies to safeguard your focus.

Shut off your phone or keep it out of sight. Use earplugs or listen to soothing sounds like rain or cafe ambiance to create a conducive work environment.

If smartphone usage concerns you, adopting some aspects of the low-dopamine morning trend, like setting rules for phone usage, could prove beneficial. By consciously scheduling phone time, you can enjoy activities guilt-free and take control of your habits.

This article responds to the question “Is there a science to achieving low-dopamine mornings?” posed by Carla Saunders via email.

For inquiries, please email us at: questions@sciencefocus.comor reach out to us on Facebook, Twitteror Instagram (please include your name and location).

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Source: www.sciencefocus.com

Revolutionary Method for Ending Pregnancy Nausea Quickly: Discover the Morning Sickness Cure

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We have all experienced vomiting at some stage in our lives. Whether it’s due to a nasty bout of food poisoning or the well-known norovirus that infects the population episodically. And we can all agree that it’s scary.

But imagine what it would do to you physically, mentally, and emotionally if you were to expect constant nausea and vomiting at a critical stage in your life.this is the reality for them
4 in 5 women experience nausea and vomiting during pregnancy. Even mild cases can cause unpleasant symptoms such as nausea, loss of appetite, and vomiting.

for 3% of women develop a condition called hyperemesis gravidarum.things get worse and require hospitalization and treatment.

According to the Office for National Statistics, in 2022 this will result in: 20,000 women hospitalized.

But until recently, little was known about the causes of nausea and vomiting during pregnancy. Anecdotal evidence suggests that the more nausea and vomiting you have, the healthier your pregnancy, and even suggests that it is related to the number of babies you have.

However, real-world evidence shows this is not true. In fact, nausea and vomiting can vary widely in severity and pattern during pregnancy.

Often referred to as “morning sickness,” nausea and vomiting during pregnancy can occur at any time of the day or night. Usually it’s worse for the first 12 weeks, then it calms down. However, for many women, it lasts throughout the pregnancy.

Read more about women’s health:

However, after more than 20 years of research in this field, a breakthrough has been made that identifies a causal relationship. This was promoted by Dr. Malena Fezo, a geneticist at the Keck School of Medicine at the University of Southern California.

Fezo was inspired to pursue this career after suffering from severe nausea and vomiting during her second pregnancy in 1999. She was unable to eat or drink without vomiting, and she rapidly lost weight and became so weak that she could no longer stand or walk.

However, doctors were skeptical that she might be exaggerating her symptoms to get attention. Fezo was eventually hospitalized and she miscarried at 15 weeks.

Fezo will conduct genetic research on previously pregnant women in collaboration with 23andMe, a private company that allows individuals to send samples of their DNA to determine health status and insights into their ancestry. did.

She identified a link with a woman who suffered from severe nausea and vomiting during pregnancy (requiring an intravenous fluid). and a variant of the gene encoding a protein named GDF15, a hormone that acts on the brain stem.

This association pinpointed the need for further research to understand the role of GDF15 protein in pregnancy.

GDF15 is secreted by the placenta during the first two trimesters of pregnancy. It also likely plays a role in preventing the mother from biologically rejecting the baby, which is essential to allowing the pregnancy to continue. However, GDF15 has been shown to regulate physiological body weight and appetite through the brain. This substance is produced in excess in cancer patients who suffer from severe appetite and weight loss.

In addition to previous research, research led by Fejzo and the University of Cambridge Professor Stephen O'Rahilly We found that the level of GDF15 was high. Seen in women with severe nausea and vomiting during pregnancy. However, the effects of this hormone appear to depend on the woman's susceptibility and her exposure to GDF15 before pregnancy. Women who received higher levels of exposure before pregnancy had higher levels of the GDF15 hormone but did not have symptoms of nausea or vomiting.

It has been hypothesized that long-term exposure to GDF15 before pregnancy may have a protective effect and reduce a woman’s sensitivity to the hormonal surge caused by fetal development.

This exposure relationship is very unique and provides more understanding and knowledge as well as the potential that women may be desensitized by increasing their exposure to hormones before pregnancy. It also suggests possible treatments. Just like some people treat food allergies with controlled exposure therapy.

Many of the common symptoms affecting women, such as nausea and vomiting during pregnancy, are poorly understood despite their very high incidence. Women’s healthcare is not a niche, and there is much to understand and learn through this type of research.

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Source: www.sciencefocus.com

“Study suggests Neanderthal DNA might be linked to being a morning person” – UK Researchers

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Have you ever wondered why your partner stays awake with a lark while you doze happily until noon?

According to new research, it could be thanks to Neanderthal genes.

The origins of modern humans can be traced back to Africa 300,000 years ago, but as these ancestors migrated north, they interbred with Neanderthals, and traces of their DNA can still be seen in people today. .

The study’s lead author, John Capra, an epidemiologist at the University of California, San Francisco, said scientists who compared ancient DNA to modern human genetics found “remarkable trends.”

They found that many of the remaining Neanderthal genes influence our body clocks and “increase our tendency to be morning people.”

Neanderthals lived at higher latitudes and farther from the equator than our African ancestors, experiencing longer days in the summer and shorter days in the winter.

Genes that make people wake up earlier “are likely able to adjust their circadian clocks more quickly to changing seasonal light patterns,” Dr. Capra said, which is why Neanderthals maximized daylight hours for hunting. He was able to utilize it to a limited extent.

Scientists have previously investigated how the circadian rhythms of insects, plants and fish have evolved with latitude. However, it has not been well studied in humans.

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Researchers wanted to see if there was a genetic reason for the differences in circadian rhythms between Neanderthals and modern humans, and found 16 mutations associated with greater “morningness”, or the tendency to rise early. .

They reasoned that because Neanderthals interbred with the ancestors of modern humans, modern humans may have inherited Neanderthal “circadian mutations.”

To test this, scientists analyzed the genes of hundreds of thousands of people in the UK Biobank and discovered a number of mutations that affect sleep preferences.

“Most surprisingly, we found that these mutants consistently increased morningness,” the researchers said.

This is consistent with what has been found in other animals that adapted to life at high latitudes, such as Neanderthals.

The study was published in Genome Biology and Evolution.

Source: news.sky.com