Genetic and environmental links to daylight exposure and sleep timing reveal genes related to light sensitivity

A genome-wide study involving 280,897 individuals identified a significant genetic variant (rs3847634) linked to light sensitivity and chronotype.

• A specific genetic variant was associated with increased morningness effects from daytime light exposure.
• Higher expression of the ARL14EP gene in brain and retinal tissues correlated with this light sensitivity variant.
• Genes related to light sensitivity were notably enriched in pathways associated with glutamate signaling and hypothalamic neurons.
• Greater light sensitivity showed significant genetic correlations with later chronotype and shorter sleep duration.
• Nominal correlations were observed between light sensitivity and symptoms of insomnia and risk for post-traumatic stress disorder.

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