Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Sleep and circadian biology is fundamental to human health. Following the advancement in sleep medicine and availability of multi-omics technology, this review outlines the current knowledge regarding genetic basis and multi-omics research on circadian rhythm and the two most prevalent sleep disorders, obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and insomnia.
RECENT FINDINGS: Genome wide association analyses identified variants across circadian genes and genes pertinent to inflammation, obesity and neuronal function associated with OSA and insomnia. Multi-omics integration has led to novel breakthroughs in identifying systemic biomarkers and elucidating cascades, and causal associations underpinning these complex traits.
SUMMARY: Multi-omics studies in sleep and circadian rhythm possess great potential in unveiling molecular mechanisms behind circadian rhythm and sleep, thereby advancing personalized medicine in the long term. Nevertheless, researchers should remain mindful of existing challenges in genetic and multi-omics sleep research, including data harmonization and existing racial and ethnic disparities in data collection and availability, limiting research generalizability.