rs9810253: Understanding the Genetics of Long Sleep Duration
The genetic variant rs9810253 is a single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) located on chromosome 3. It has been identified in large-scale meta-analyses as being associated with a predisposition toward long sleep duration, defined as sleeping 10 hours or more per night.
What each genotype means
Baseline sleep duration
This genotype represents the baseline state for this variant. Research indicates that individuals without the risk-associated allele do not show the specific genetic predisposition for long sleep duration (≥10 hours) linked to this locus.
This is the most common genotype across most global populations.
Increased long sleep predisposition
Carrying one copy of this variant is associated with a statistically significant increase in the likelihood of reporting long sleep duration (≥10 hours). This association was identified in large-scale cross-population meta-analyses, though individual sleep habits are influenced by many other genetic and environmental factors.
This genotype is found at moderate frequencies in many populations, though exact prevalence varies by ancestry.
Higher long sleep predisposition
Carrying two copies of this variant is associated with a higher odds ratio for long sleep duration (≥10 hours) compared to those without the variant. While this locus is linked to sleep duration, it is one of many factors that contribute to individual sleep patterns, and it should not be used to diagnose sleep disorders.
This genotype is less common than the heterozygous state in most populations, occurring at lower frequencies.
What is rs9810253?
A single nucleotide polymorphism, or SNP, is a variation at a single position in a DNA sequence among individuals. The variant rs9810253 is located in an intergenic region on chromosome 3, meaning it does not sit within the protein-coding sequence of a known gene. In the context of genomics, intergenic variants are often studied to understand how they might influence the regulation of nearby genes or contribute to complex traits. Because this variant is not located in a gene, it does not directly alter a protein's structure. Instead, researchers investigate whether such variants act as regulatory elements that influence how genes are turned on or off in specific tissues, such as those involved in the brain's sleep-wake cycle. Identifying these markers helps scientists map the complex, polygenic architecture of human sleep patterns.
Research and Associations
The association between rs9810253 and sleep duration was highlighted in a significant cross-population meta-analysis involving hundreds of thousands of participants from the UK Biobank and the Million Veteran Programme. While researchers identified dozens of genetic loci associated with short sleep duration, rs9810253 emerged as the single genome-wide significant locus associated with long sleep duration (defined as 10 hours or more). The study reported an odds ratio of approximately 1.11, suggesting a modest increase in the likelihood of reporting long sleep duration for individuals carrying the risk allele. It is important to note that sleep duration is a complex trait influenced by a combination of many genetic factors, environmental conditions, and lifestyle choices. The evidence for this specific variant is considered moderate, as it represents a statistical correlation observed in large datasets rather than a direct cause-and-effect mechanism.
Interpreting Your Results
If you have received information about your genotype for rs9810253, it is essential to understand that this is a statistical association, not a medical diagnosis. Genetic variants like rs9810253 contribute only a small fraction to the overall variability in human sleep patterns. Many other factors, including age, stress, underlying health conditions, and environmental habits, play a much larger role in how long you sleep. You cannot use this information to diagnose a sleep disorder or to predict your future health outcomes. If you have concerns about your sleep duration, such as consistently sleeping too much or too little, or if you feel tired despite adequate sleep, you should consult with a healthcare professional. They can provide a clinical evaluation that considers your full medical history, which is far more informative than any single genetic marker.
How common is this variant?
The variant rs9810253 is considered a common SNP, meaning the minor allele is present at a significant frequency across various global populations.
Frequently asked questions
Does having the rs9810253 variant mean I have a sleep disorder?
No. This variant is simply a genetic marker associated with a statistical tendency toward longer sleep duration in large populations. It is not a diagnostic tool for any sleep disorder or medical condition.
Can I change my sleep habits based on this genetic result?
Genetic results should not dictate your lifestyle choices. If you are concerned about your sleep, focus on healthy sleep hygiene practices and consult a doctor rather than relying on a single genetic variant.
Is this variant found in all ancestries?
The meta-analysis included participants of European, African, East Asian, and admixed-American ancestries. While the association was identified in large-scale data, genetic effects can sometimes vary between different ancestral groups.
What should I do if I am worried about my sleep?
If you are experiencing issues with your sleep, the best course of action is to speak with a primary care physician or a sleep specialist. They can assess your symptoms and provide personalized medical advice.
Sources & further reading
Educational information only, last refreshed 9/15/2026. Not medical advice — these associations describe population statistics, not individual predictions.
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