Late-Life Cycler Genes Can Hold Key to Your Sleep and Health

In Oregon, researchers found specific genes responsible for our altered circadian rhythm that only becomes active during times of stress and aging. So when you have trouble sleeping when stressed out or as you get older, it could be due to these “late-life cycler” or LLC genes. We’ve all heard about how your sleep cycle and amounts are directly related to your physical and mental health – just ask anyone with jetlag or works the night shift. However, these LLC genes that only activate as you age or during times of extreme stress, are your body’s way of helping you out as they try to protect proteins by helping them to fold correctly again or by sequestering messed up proteins. Researchers hope this discovery could allow them to find ways to activate LLC genes when needed to help protect our body’s circadian rhythms.