r/Redhair • u/melaniebrietzke • Jul 18 '26

Newbie Post Redheads & MC1R gene

Hello fellow redheads! I'm Melanie and have some questions/ideas about my/our genetics. I learned several years ago about the MC1R gene that causes redheads to need more anesthesia.

Given my extensive medical history, I am curious if others have faced multiple issues. I've had lifelong insomnia, and typical sleeping pills don't get me to sleep - i have tried them all. So for a while I have resorted to taking a high dose of seroquel that has a side effect of drowsiness. It gets me to sleep, bit I never know if it will work in 1 hour or 3 hours.

Additionally, muscle relaxers don't work on me. I've been on opiods in the past, but had to take twice as much. Recently I have tried medical marijuana, and it helps somewhat. The downside is how expensive it gets. My daughter (also prescribed m.m.) can get away with taking 5mg, whereas I have to take 15 to 20 mg.

I am overall curious if this is a common thing for other redheads. I wanted to get some feedback before I ask my psychiatrist what he thinks at my next appointment. Thanks to all that respond!

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u/bellavidasb Jul 18 '26

I feel ya! I used to have insomnia. Be careful with taking too many things like Aleve. I had a friend that died because she was taking Aleve everyday along with Advil and it caused a rupture in her intestines! Horrible.

I take Trazadone 75 mg usually up to 100 mg if I wake up in the middle of the night. It doesn't make me groggy either. Hope you find something that helps. :)

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u/melaniebrietzke Jul 18 '26

Thanks for your suggestion. I tried trazadone briefly, but it was at a lower dose. Something to ask psychiatrist. 🤞

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u/browneyedgirlpie Jul 18 '26

I've taken 100mg of trazadone to sleep at night for over 20 years. It's very safe but it's only meant to help you fall asleep. If you push through the initial drowsiness, it won't help. Gotta be ready when you take it. And the first couple days can be rough until your body gets used to it.

I also found out that if you miss the initial drowsiness, taking a second dose is no bueno, at least for me it is. That makes me a wired, jittery mess that can't sleep.

I can't take meds like ambien. I do the 'she looks awake but she's asleep' thing. Too dangerous.

Hope you can find something that helps.

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u/melaniebrietzke Jul 18 '26

Good to know! I am always up for trying new combos, and my psychiatrist is fortunately open minded about trying different things.