Last reviewed: May 12, 2026 Last updated: May 12, 2026

Written by: Jay Hastings , CEO of PlexusDx

Jay Hastings is the CEO of PlexusDx, a precision health company focused on genetic testing, blood biomarker insights, and personalized wellness recommendations. He has more than 20 years of experience across healthcare innovation, genomics, laboratory operations, healthcare investing, and strategic finance. His work has included scaling healthcare startups, leading CLIA lab integrations, and helping expand consumer access to precision health tools.

Medically reviewed by: Jayden Lee, PharmD, EMBA

Jayden Lee, PharmD, EMBA, is the PlexusDx Medical Science Liaison with a PharmD and MBA specializing in pharmacogenomics and clinical product development, with a proven ability to bridge the gap between genomic research and practical patient outcomes. Dr. Lee has more than 10 years of professional experience in clinical pharmacy, academia, and research.

Can you recall any recent night when you experienced genuine relaxation and restfulness during sleep?

Envision starting your day with a revitalizing sleep and feeling prepared to tackle your daily tasks. Many people find it challenging to achieve quality sleep because it feels like an unattainable goal. Staring at the ceiling for endless hours and experiencing restless tossing and turning diminishes our overall well-being. The secret to achieving peaceful sleep may be concealed within your genetic makeup.

The sleep disorder known as insomnia affects millions of people around the world and causes disruptions in our circadian rhythms leading to fatigue and irritability and reducing our ability to focus. Do you realize that insomnia affects 25% of Americans throughout their lives? Insomnia leads to more than mere exhaustion since it increases the risk of developing high blood pressure, heart disease, obesity, and diabetes. Our risk of developing insomnia is heavily influenced by genetic factors which make up about 40% of the total risk. Genetic variants in CLOCK, PER2, MTNR1A, CACNA1C, RBFOX3, and SLC6A4 genes modulate circadian rhythms and brain function while affecting stress response and alertness which results in changes to sleep patterns.

PER2 stands out among genes because it produces an essential protein for maintaining our body's internal clock. When people are exposed to bright light during nighttime hours they disrupt their internal clock which results in imbalanced circadian rhythms and sleep disturbances. Positive news exists that sleep quality can improve through lifestyle adjustments including avoiding bright lights at night while establishing regular sleep patterns and morning exposure to natural light to reset your internal clock. When you know your genetic susceptibility to insomnia you can take appropriate steps to manage your sleep health.

Your DNA insights allow you to identify the fundamental causes of your sleep issues and access customized recommendations that match your genetic profile. Our Precision Health & Wellness tests at PlexusDx examine your genetic factors related to insomnia to give you critical insights into how your DNA affects your sleep patterns. We deliver a genetic risk score assessment together with personalized recommendations based on over 800,000 genetic variants and an enhanced comprehension of genetic factors impacting insomnia. Your quality of life deserves protection from ongoing sleepless nights. Begin improving your sleep with the Precision Health & Wellness tests found at PlexusDx.com and both Amazon and Walmart. Embarking on the path to peaceful nights and refreshed mornings begins through knowledge of your genetic blueprint. Harness individualized knowledge capabilities to discover methods for achieving restful sleep. Your DNA serves as the fundamental guide to achieving a better night of sleep. Explore genetic insights to understand how you can improve your sleep health which leads to an energized future.

Medical and Editorial Standards

Medical review process: This article was reviewed for medical accuracy, scientific clarity, evidence alignment, and appropriate discussion of genetics, medications, supplements, biomarkers, and health-related claims.

Sources and evidence: PlexusDx educational content is developed using peer-reviewed research, clinical literature, reputable medical references, and, where applicable, public health or regulatory guidance. References are included at the end of the article when scientific, medical, or health-related claims are discussed.

Commercial transparency: PlexusDx offers genetic testing, blood biomarker testing, personalized supplement recommendations, and related precision wellness services. Product mentions are intended to help readers understand available options and should not be interpreted as medical advice.

Important disclaimer: PlexusDx educational content is for informational purposes only and should not be used as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before making decisions about medications, supplements, genetic testing, lab testing, or health-related care.