W. Christopher Winter, M.D.

So far, research has found that narcolepsy, the disorder of extreme excessive sleepiness, has been mapped to a particular gene (HLA-DQB1*06:02). Restless legs syndrome has a strong genetic tie-60% of cases are thought to be familial, and four genes have been linked to the disorder.

<a href=&quot;https://www.menshealth.com/about/g26028263/mh-advisory-board/&quot;>Click here</a> to learn more about the Mens Health expert advisory board.

Outside of diagnosable disorders, tendencies such as being a night owl or morning lark are linked to specific, testable genes (perhaps as many as 15 or more). Even our ability to deal with inadequate sleep has recently been mapped to a gene. Recently, scientists in San Diego discovered genes that may play a role in the double-whammy problem of insomnia and connected mood disorders like depression.

<h1> Where Can You Get Genetic Sleep Tests? </h1>

23andMe has already introduced a limited genetic "sleep" report, evaluating two genes that may impact sleep-disruptive limb movements: The BTBD9 gene has been found in people with restless legs, and variations in the ADA gene have been seen in individuals with deep sleep deficiency. Understanding your genetic risk for diseases like restless legs syndrome may help your doctor more quickly diagnose and precisely treat your specific sleep disorder.

The company ORIG3N promises an even more comprehensive look into its clients' sleep. One of the ORIG3N employees offered me a sneak peak at some of the upcoming tests it plans to offer. Let's just say, the look at your sleep characteristics promises to be quite comprehensive. ORIG3N is already offering parents the chance to find out if their child needs as much sleep as his peers by evaluating the ARNTL gene, but theres soon to be much more.

<h1> Should you rush out to get one? </h1>

Right now, all this DNA information is pretty fascinating, and rapidly moving toward becoming legitimately useful. An ORIG3N test I took in January told me that my ability to acquire new languages is not particularly robust (so true!) because of my FOXP2 gene, my AGER gene status makes me less likely to have skin that shows signs of aging (I make my living off of Doogie Howser comments), my LEPR gene makes me less likely to gain weight (my weight has changed little in 25 years), and I am "gifted" when it comes to my ACTN3 gene's ability to make protein essential for fast-twitch muscles. This makes me more athletic and probably accounts for my muscular build and athletic abilities. Incidentally, my father was a decorated college football player, so I probably got the old ACTN3 gene from him, and unfortunately the height gene from my mother. Hopefully later this year, I will get similarly detailed insight into my sleep.

I feel quite certain that in the future, this kind of testing will not only help more specifically identify the reason why patients have disturbed sleep, but will also help specifically tailor therapies to suit these disorders. Think of all the money well save on new mattresses, wrist-worn sleep monitors, and sleep-inducing gummy bears. We will know exactly what our problem is, and doctors will be able to treat it accordingly. For now, though, we need to continue to make sleep a priority and do all the sleep hygiene moves we know were supposed to do-including knocking off the caffeine early, sleeping in a dark, cool room, laying off screens right before bed-to ensure a good nights sleep.

Genetic discoveries are being made at a tremendous pace, and I'm excited that genes related to many sleep disorders are among those finds. All this new genetic research may one day play a role in helping doctors understand who is at risk and perhaps help tailor a remedy for them. Some genes are already being tested for through common consumer DNA test kits.

Could a DNA Test Help You Get A Better Night's Sleep?

In dream sleep, we should be paralyzed

For most, sleep is a time of being peaceful, quiet, and relaxed. So relaxed that most people are relatively immobile when they sleep (in dream sleep, we should be paralyzed!). Sure, we wake up to roll over, adjust our pillows, etc., but these movements should typically be few and far between, and they shouldnt be significant enough for partners to even notice.

Unfortunately, for a surprisingly large number of people (perhaps as many as 15% of the population), sleep doesnt resemble anything close to the people in those cool space sleep pods in every movie about space exploration (Alien, Prometheus, Passengers, 2001: A Space Odyssey to name a few). Theyre not sealed in a glass pod with a serine look upon their faces as they hibernate in a deep sleep on their way to one of Jupiter's moons. For these twitchy souls, their sleep is punctuated by movement that can occur all night long.

Their bed partners arent serene either; they tend to have the look of someone whos accidentally stumbled into said dance party and cannot find the exit. For them, their rest can be rudely interrupted all night long by tossing, turning, kicking and other subtle body movements. Some observant partners might even notice that the movements happen with a predictable frequency (so called "periodic limb movements").

Astonishingly, many restless sleepers have little to no memory of anything but blissful sleep during the night. This can make awkward breakfast comments like, "Wow, that was a great night of sleep! Whoa, you look terrible honey. Did you sleep okay last night?"

How to Keep a Restless Partner From Waking You Up

While some restless sleepers might feel a sense of unease sitting still while watching The Late Show at night, they are usually keenly unaware of their legs moving during sleep. Never in the history of medicine has a condition been so troublesome yet so frustratingly impossible to adequately describe by the sufferer!

So short of a cheap shot with a pillow, how can you get a good night of sleep if you are sleeping with a restless partner?

Encourage your partner to consider seeing a sleep specialist

This is particularly important if your partner's restlessness has crossed the line into violent activities that put him/her or you in danger. Even the less dramatic restless sleeper, despite feeling like their sleep is normal, have anything but normal sleep. Consider the fact that with every twitch and jerk that occurs through the night, their brain awakens to make that happen. Furthermore, that sense of discomfort they might feel watching TV at night or difficulty sitting still on a long car ride or plane flight might be linked to their sleep-related movements. Conditions like restless legs syndrome and periodic limb movement disorder are treatable conditions that might make both or you sleep better than you ever have.

Choose your bed carefully

While everyone has their list of top bed characteristics when they go mattress shopping, make sure that the bed you two purchase doesnt transfer motion easily and is large enough for you to create a demilitarized zone between you and the love of your life. You can take this a step further by using separate bedding/blankets, so the tossing and turning is not being felt via pulling on your covers!

Consider a weighted blanket

For some restless people, the addition of weight, particularly on their legs, can make a big difference in terms of sleep quality. There are many weighted blanket manufacturers that can help you find the weight that is best for you. My rule of thumb: if your partner loves it when the dentist puts that lead apron on during dental x-rays, this therapy might be perfect for him or her.

Pay attention to iron

Some individuals with low iron can exhibit restlessness at night. Talk to your doctor to see if ordering a ferretin level (a test measuring iron stores) is appropriate.

Have your partner eliminate chocolate, caffeine, and/or MSG at night.

Consider a hot bath 30 minutes prior to bed

This can help some sleep less restlessly.

Talk to your partner's family

Some conditions causing restlessness are highly genetic. Where there is smoke, there is usually fire.

Restless sleep is a common disorder for many couples. These strategies can help you avoid a sleep divorce (sleeping in separate beds). If they dont move the needle and their symptoms are still very disruptive, contact a sleep specialist who can help you fix the problem.

<a href=&quot;https://www.menshealth.com/about/g26028263/mh-advisory-board/&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot; data-vars-ga-outbound-link=&quot;https://www.menshealth.com/about/g26028263/mh-advisory-board/&quot;>Click here</a> to learn more about the Mens...

When it comes to sleeping together, what happens in bed before nodding off can often blind people to the sleep foibles of their partners after the fun. You might hear things like, "She makes this funny sound when she sleeps, but the sex is so amazing." Little sounds can be forgiven early in a relationship, but as time passes and "funny" sounds become the din of gasoline-powered leaf blowers, feelings change. While snoring is probably at the top of most couples' lists as compatibility deal bre...

7 Ways to Sleep Better When You're Sharing a Bed With a Restless Partner

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W. Christopher Winter, M.D.

Articles written by the author

Could a DNA Test Help You Get A Better Night's Sleep?

7 Ways to Sleep Better When You're Sharing a Bed With a Restless Partner