PAX8 rs1964463: What Your Genotype Means
The rs1964463 variant is a genetic marker located near the PAX8 gene that has been identified in large-scale studies as being associated with self-reported sleep duration. Research suggests that individuals carrying specific alleles at this locus may experience slight variations in their habitual sleep time.
What each genotype means
Typical baseline sleep duration
You carry two copies of the common C allele at rs1964463 near PAX8-AS1. In large genome-wide association studies, this baseline genotype is not associated with the small statistical increments in habitual sleep time linked to the alternative allele. Sleep duration is a complex trait governed by many genetic and lifestyle factors, and this single locus exerts only a very subtle statistical influence.
Carried by approximately 35% to 45% of individuals of European ancestry, and is also common in other global populations.
Slightly longer sleep duration
You have one copy of the T allele associated with habitual sleep duration. Population-level research indicates that each copy of this allele corresponds to a modest increase in usual sleep duration of roughly 2 to 3 minutes per night compared to the baseline genotype. Because sleep regulation involves numerous biological and environmental factors, this small statistical shift does not by itself dictate your actual sleep needs or patterns.
Carried by approximately 45% to 50% of individuals in European cohorts where the minor allele frequency is around 0.37.
Modestly longer sleep duration
You carry two copies of the T allele near the PAX8/PAX8-AS1 locus. In large observational cohorts, having two copies of the variant allele has been statistically linked to an average increase of about 5 minutes of habitual sleep duration per night. This association represents a minor statistical tendency within population data rather than a deterministic determinant of your individual sleep habits or sleep architecture.
Carried by roughly 10% to 15% of people of European ancestry.
Understanding the rs1964463 Variant
The rs1964463 variant is a single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) situated on chromosome 2. In the context of human genetics, SNPs are the most common type of genetic variation, representing a difference in a single DNA building block, or nucleotide. This specific variant is located in an intergenic region, meaning it resides in the DNA sequence between genes rather than within the coding region of a gene itself. Because it is located near the PAX8 gene, researchers often investigate it in relation to the function of that nearby gene. It is important to note that while this SNP is statistically associated with sleep traits in large population-based cohorts, it does not function as a direct 'sleep gene' that dictates an individual's sleep schedule. Instead, it serves as a marker that helps scientists identify genomic regions that may influence complex behavioral traits like sleep duration.
The Role of the PAX8 Gene
The PAX8 gene encodes a transcription factor, which is a protein that helps turn other genes on or off. PAX8 is primarily recognized for its critical role in the development and function of the thyroid gland. Beyond its well-established role in thyroid biology, researchers have explored whether PAX8 or its surrounding regulatory regions might influence neurological processes. Some studies have hypothesized that the genomic region near PAX8 could be involved in pathways related to sleep regulation, though the exact biological mechanism remains a subject of ongoing investigation. While some research has linked DNA methylation levels in the PAX8/PAX8-AS1 region to sleep duration in specific clinical populations, it is currently unclear if the sequence variation at rs1964463 directly alters PAX8 expression or if it is simply a marker for a nearby functional element that influences sleep behavior.
Research and Evidence Strength
The association between the PAX8 locus and sleep duration is supported by genome-wide association studies (GWAS). These studies analyze the genomes of thousands of individuals to find statistical correlations between specific genetic variants and traits. The evidence for the PAX8 locus is considered moderate; while it has been consistently identified across multiple large cohorts, the actual effect size on sleep duration is quite small, typically measured in just a few minutes per allele. It is essential to understand that sleep duration is a complex, polygenic trait, meaning it is influenced by hundreds of genetic variants, environmental factors, and lifestyle choices. Consequently, this single variant provides only a very small piece of the puzzle. Current research emphasizes that while the statistical signal is robust in large datasets, it is not a diagnostic tool for sleep disorders or a predictor of individual sleep needs.
Interpreting Your Genetic Information
If you have received information about your genotype at rs1964463, it is important to view it in the proper context. This variant is associated with minor differences in sleep duration at a population level, not an individual level. You cannot use this information to diagnose a sleep disorder, determine your optimal sleep time, or predict your future health outcomes. Genetic associations found in research studies describe trends across large groups of people and do not necessarily apply to any single person. If you have concerns about your sleep quality, duration, or patterns, the most effective approach is to consult with a healthcare professional or a sleep specialist. They can evaluate your symptoms, lifestyle, and overall health to provide personalized guidance. Never make changes to your health routines or medical care based solely on genetic data without professional medical advice.
How common is this variant?
The minor allele for this variant has a frequency of approximately 0.25 to 0.37 in European populations, making it a relatively common genetic variation.
Frequently asked questions
Does this variant mean I have a sleep disorder?
No. This variant is associated with minor variations in habitual sleep duration in large population studies and is not a diagnostic marker for any sleep disorder.
Can I change my sleep habits based on this SNP?
Genetic information regarding this SNP should not be used to alter your sleep habits. If you are concerned about your sleep, please consult a healthcare provider.
Is this variant the same as the 'sleep gene'?
There is no single 'sleep gene.' Sleep is a complex trait influenced by many genetic factors, environmental conditions, and lifestyle choices, of which this variant is only one small contributor.
Why do studies show different results for this variant?
Different studies may use different methodologies, such as self-reported sleep versus accelerometer-derived data, which can lead to variations in reported effect sizes and statistical significance.
Sources & further reading
Educational information only, last refreshed 10/17/2026. Not medical advice — these associations describe population statistics, not individual predictions.
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Get my report — $29Related variants in PAX8
This variant is a well-replicated genome-wide significant locus associated with habitual sleep duration, including both short and long sleep phenotypes.
This intergenic variant near the PAX8 gene is a well-replicated genetic marker associated with variations in habitual sleep duration.
An intergenic variant near PAX8 identified in large-scale GWAS meta-analyses as a locus influencing habitual sleep duration, with evidence suggesting potential regulatory effects on nearby transcripts.
This intergenic variant near the PAX8 gene is associated with small, incremental changes in habitual sleep duration.
A genome-wide significant variant located upstream of the PAX8 transcription factor associated with habitual sleep duration.
Genome-wide significant locus associated with average adult self-reported and accelerometer-measured sleep duration.