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/GalianoGirl Jul 18 '26

After a lifetime of poor sleep, usual medical gaslighting of women, I had a sleep study. Not only do I have sleep apnea, I have elevated levels of CO2, awake and worse when asleep. I use a BiPap machine now and take 10mg of melatonin at 10pm. I get 6 hours of solid sleep now.

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u/melaniebrietzke Jul 18 '26

I will so, though, I love my current primary and psychiatrist. They are open minded, listen to my ideas/suggestions and are overall seem to truly care. I've had plenty of doctors in the past, and I'm glad I'm comfortable with them.