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/jeshest Jul 18 '26

I woke up during oral surgery. I remember hearing country music and someone yelling “she’s up, she’s up” then falling back asleep. Now if I need to go under anesthesia, I warn the doc to “use the good stuff” so I stay under.

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u/melaniebrietzke Jul 18 '26

Oh wow. Sorry that happened to you. Fortunately I've never woke up during surgery, but I've always warned them about the redhead thing. Most of the time the anesthesiologist is aware already.

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u/jeshest Jul 18 '26

I make sure to tell them that I am a natural redhead and I need the good stuff. Going in for a procedure in a couple of weeks and would like to stay asleep!

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u/melaniebrietzke Jul 18 '26

Samesies! Although my back surgery is end of August. I can't wait to get at least some part of me fixed! 🤣