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The Lazy Gene: Are You Biologically Wired to Sleep In?
Science says your love for snoozing might not be just laziness — it’s in your DNA
Why Some People Hate Mornings (And Science Backs Them Up)
You set three alarms. You hit snooze. You wake up groggy, cursing early birds who thrive at sunrise. If this sounds familiar, you might not be lazy — you might be genetically programmed to sleep in. Science reveals that our sleep preferences aren’t just about habit or willpower. Our DNA plays a major role in determining whether we’re morning warriors or professional snoozers.
The Science Behind Sleeping In
Scientists have identified key genes influencing our sleep-wake cycle. The most infamous? PER3 (Period 3), which regulates our internal clock. A shorter version of this gene is linked to night owls who struggle with early mornings, while a longer version is found in early risers.
Another crucial gene, ABCC9, determines how much sleep your body needs. Some variants make people require up to 30 minutes more sleep per night. If you need nine hours to feel human while others function on six, blame your genes, not your willpower.
