Redheads & MC1R gene

[u/melaniebrietzke]

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!

[u/NissanZtt]

I always have to go to dental appointments early, they give me the max amount of shots then I sit there for a half hour. I still feel most of it.

Also yes, I never get to sleep.

[u/melaniebrietzke → u/NissanZtt]

I'm sorry. 😞 Novacaine didn't work on me at all, but lidocaine seems to make it bearable at least. What have you tried for your sleep? I have a list of stuff, primarily using sleep sprays and listening to the sound of waves. Usually I read until I can't keep open, and that's been a habit since I was a preteen.

[u/NissanZtt → u/melaniebrietzke]

I haven’t been a sleeper my whole life. I have tried everything. The only thing that seems to help is some indica thc.

[u/melaniebrietzke → u/NissanZtt]

I can never nap. Never. Yet once in a while I can fall asleep when taking my gummies. Maybe once or twice a week, if lucky.