Azerbaijanis turned out to be the earliest "birds" according to genetic data

Specialists from the Genotek company analyzed more than 166 thousand genomes of Russian residents representing various ethnic groups.

As reported by BAKU.WS with reference to Gazeta.ru, the study made it possible to determine which ethnic groups have more "night owls" and which have more "early birds."

"The differences between ethnic groups do not mean that one nation is 'sleepier' and another is 'more energetic.' Rather, it reflects the peculiarities of the genetic background that has developed historically and culturally. Such data helps to better understand how genes and the external environment jointly shape our biorhythms," explained the research leader, Genotek's Director of Science Alexander Rakitko.

According to the specialists, our internal rhythm - whether we are "early birds" or "night owls" - is determined by biological processes in which genes play an important role. In particular, a key factor affecting this aspect is the Period Circadian Regulator 3 (PER3) gene. It participates in the formation of internal biological clocks by regulating the activity of special proteins responsible for daily rhythms, the company reported.

The researchers found out which ethnic groups more often have variations of the PER3 gene associated with a change in sleep patterns. The results showed that Chechens have the highest percentage of people prone to late falling asleep (30.8%). Ashkenazi Jews came in second place (28.63%), and Armenians in third place (26.08%). The smallest proportion of "night owls" is observed among Azerbaijanis (12.21%), Kazakhs (12.69%), and Koreans (13%).

The study also notes that early birds are people who prefer to go to bed early and wake up early. Their biological clocks are set so that their peak activity occurs in the morning and daytime hours. It's easy for them to wake up and work in the morning, but by evening they begin to get tired and seek rest. Night owls, on the contrary, prefer to go to bed late and wake up late. Their maximum activity occurs in the evening and night. It's hard for them to get up in the morning, but at night they feel a surge of energy and vigor.