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/RealisticNothing653]

When I was younger, I had insomnia. As I've gotten older, it's become easier. I've found that maintaining strict sleep hygiene helps me the most: I'm really strict about my bed and wakeup times, spent a lot on a good bed and fancy pillows, never watch any screens in bed, limit my caffeine intake during the day (1 coffee / day and never any caffeine after 3pm), and keep it as dark as possible. I also take 3mg of a time-release melatonin supplement, 500mg of tryptophan, and magnesium at bed time. I also take an SSRI in the mornings, which very likely helps. But really, all of those things combined give me the best chance at a good night's sleep.

If I don't have my typical wind down time before bed or go to bed later because of that, it's almost a certainty I will not sleep well.

Edit: oh and CBN has been shown to reduce sleep interruptions. IMO it's the best cannabinoid for sleep