Is anorexia nervosa a morning disorder? Scientists think so

New research has revealed that individuals with anorexia nervosa, an eating disorder, are more likely to be early risers. Unlike some other disorders that are linked to nighttime tendencies, such as depression and binge eating disorder, anorexia nervosa seems to be associated with a preference for waking up early.

"Our findings implicate anorexia nervosa as a morning disorder in contrast to most other evening based psychiatric diseases and support the association between anorexia nervosa and insomnia as seen in earlier studies," Dr. Hassan S Dashti, assistant professor of anesthesia at Harvard Medical School and senior author of the study.

This study was conducted by researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH), University College London, and the University of the Republic in Uruguay. The role of circadian rhythms Scientists have previously explored the relationship between eating disorders and the body's internal clock, known as the circadian clock, which regulates various biological functions, including sleep.

The current study aimed to deepen this understanding by examining the genes related to anorexia nervosa, the circadian clock, and sleep traits like insomnia. The researchers used a statistical method called Mendelian Randomization, which analyzes how genes associated with one trait may influence others.

For example, by studying the sleep patterns of individuals with genetic differences linked to , the researchers gained insights into the relationship between the disorder and sleep. The study uncovered a two way association between genes associated with anorexia nervosa and those linked to being a morning person.

In simpler terms, the findings suggest that being an early riser may increase the risk of developing anorexia nervosa, and having anorexia nervosa could lead to waking up earlier. Sleep in anorexia nervosa They were also able to establish a connection between anorexia nervosa and an increased risk of insomnia using the Mass General Brigham Biobank.

The scientists developed a "genetic risk score" for anorexia nervosa. They discovered that this genetic risk score was indeed associated with a higher risk of . "The clinical implications of our new findings are currently unclear; however, our results could direct future investigations into circadian based therapies for anorexia nervosa prevention and treatment," said Hannah Wilcox, lead author of the study and researcher at MGH.

Treating anorexia nervosa is challenging, and the existing treatments often result in people facing the illness again. Relapse rates are up to 52 percent. Also, doctors are not entirely sure what causes anorexia nervosa. Anorexia nervosa is very serious, with the second highest death rate among psychiatric diseases.

Because of this, we must do more research to find new ways to prevent and treat it. The titled 'The Role of Circadian Rhythms and Sleep in Anorexia Nervosa' was published in J on January 4..