Are you an early riser? You can thank the Neanderthals, new genetic study reveals

The findings of studies linking morning awakenings to our genes were published in "Genome Biology and Evolution". It's suggested that early birds have inherited part of their genetic code from Neanderthals.

Early risers, those who wake up at dawn, claim a multitude of benefits from their habit, and scientists are on the same page. Starting the day early reportedly enhances overall well-being and decreases the risk of depression and breast cancer. Moreover, it contributes to a regulated circadian rhythm, promoting quality sleep at night. People with early-rising habits often report a consequential boost in productivity.

While these advantages are promising, unfortunately, it's not feasible for everyone to spring out of bed at 5 or 6 in the morning. There has long been a division between early risers (or larks) and night owls. The former cherish mornings, while the latter revel in the night. Interestingly, these differences could be tied to the genes we have inherited from Neanderthals.

Neanderthals are extinct members of the Homo species who lived from 400,000 to 24,500 years ago. It's estimated that modern Europeans and Asians have received about 2 percent of their genetic code from these ancestors. Scientists have sought to investigate whether this small fraction of genes has an impact on our circadian rhythm. To do this, they compared a UK database containing the health information of hundreds of thousands of Europeans with DNA extracted from Neanderthal bones and teeth.

The research revealed 246 genes responsible for the body's circadian rhythm. It was found that individuals identifying as early risers are likely to have specific variants of Neanderthal genes. This suggests that some genes passed down from our ancestors could influence our sleep-wake cycle. However, scientists underscore that the way our bodies function over a day is multifaceted, and there could be other influencing factors.

Scientists have pinpointed other health-related traits we may have gained from our ancestrial genetic heritage. These include increased resilience to low oxygen levels at high altitudes, which can come in particularly handy for climbers. However, there's also a higher susceptibility to specific diseases. According to research, having Neanderthal genes could be linked with an increased risk of a severe COVID-19 infection.