sleep

energy & fatigue

DRD2

Can the Happiness Hormone Keep You From Feeling Tired? (DRD2)

Written by Jasmine Foster, BSc, BEd on November 3rd, 2020

DRD2 encodes the D2 dopamine receptor, which is best known for its role in stress and reward. How does it affect feelings of fatigue? Find out here.

Summary

DRD2 encodes the D2 dopamine receptor. Variants of DRD2 may play a role in feelings of fatigue by reducing sensitivity to dopamine in some parts of the brain. Lifestyle, diet, and supplement modifications may counteract the effects of these variants by increasing either the number or sensitivity of D2 receptors.

DRD2 and Fatigue

The DRD2 gene encodes a dopamine receptor. Dopamine, which is important for signalling pleasure and reward, can also reduce the sensation of pain and reduce anxiety and fear [R, R, R].

Because dopamine is highly involved in many processes that are critical for proper cognitive function, SNPs in the DRD2 gene can significantly impact cognitive ability and mental health [R, R, R, R].

Dopamine and its receptors also play a part in controlling the sleep-wake cycle. Mainly, dopamine can help keep you awake and alert [R].

Low levels of DRD2 activation reduce wakefulness and increase Slow Wave (deep) and REM sleep. Low DRD2 furthermore causes rats to become slow and lethargic; the more DRD2 receptors the rats expressed, the more likely they were to spontaneously move around their enclosures [R].

Furthermore, compounds that block both D1 and D2 receptors reduce wakefulness and increase deep sleep [R].

Thus, it’s unsurprising that at least one variant in the DRD2 gene has been associated with feeling tired in the daytime [R, R].

DRD2 encodes a receptor for dopamine that plays a role in the sleep-wake cycle. One variant in this gene has been associated with reduced wakefulness and increased lethargy.

Your DRD2 Results for Fatigue

SNP Table

variant	genotype	frequency	risk allele
rs6277

DRD2 rs6277 [R, R]

‘G’ = Associated with relatively increased feelings of tiredness in the daytime
‘A’ = Possibly protective against feeling tired in the daytime

Recommendations

Yoga

Yoga may relieve stress in part by improving dopamine signalling, making them potentially helpful to people with low DRD2 activity [R, R, R, R].

In a meta-analysis of studies on multiple sclerosis symptoms, yoga improved fatigue associated with the disease [R].

Another study found that yoga improved energy levels in 155 patients with unexplained chronic fatigue [R].

Yoga and meditation may improve dopamine signalling and have been found to reduce fatigue associated with multiple sclerosis and chronic fatigue syndrome.

Rhodiola

According to preliminary research, rhodiola may increase brain dopamine levels [R, R, R].

Standardized rhodiola extracts reduced fatigue and cognitive impairment caused by stress and burnout in different studies [R, R, R, R, R, R, R, R].

Melatonin

Longer-term (at least 2 weeks) supplementation with melatonin increased the sensitivity of DRD2 receptors in the brains of rats [R].

Some studies have found that melatonin supplements improved fatigue severity in patients with chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) [R].

A study of people with insomnia found that melatonin helped regulate the sleep-wake cycle, but did not necessarily improve daytime sleepiness. However, another study of people with jet lag found that melatonin supplementation did help with daytime fatigue. The effectiveness of melatonin may vary widely from person to person, depending on genetics and other factors [R, R].

Long-term melatonin supplementation may increase the sensitivity of DRD2 receptors and improve fatigue in some people.

Jasmine Foster

BSc, BEd

Jasmine received her BS from McGill University and her BEd from Vancouver Island University.

Jasmine loves helping people understand their brains and bodies, a passion that grew out of her dual background in biology and education. From the chem lab to the classroom, everyone has the right to learn and make informed decisions about their health.

Disclaimer

The information on this website has not been evaluated by the Food & Drug Administration or any other official medical body. This information is presented for educational purposes only, and may not be used to diagnose or treat any illness or disease.

Also keep in mind that the “Risk Score” presented in this post is based only on a select number of SNPs, and therefore only represents a small portion of your total risk as an individual. Furthermore, these analyses are based primarily on associational studies, which do not necessarily imply causation. Finally, many other (non-genetic) factors can also play a significant role in the development of a disease or health condition — therefore, carrying any of the risk-associated genotypes discussed in this post does not necessarily mean you are at increased risk of developing a major health condition.

Always consult your doctor before acting on any information or recommendations discussed in this post — especially if you are pregnant, nursing, taking medication, or have been officially diagnosed with a medical condition.

More sleep blogs

Circadian Rhythms, Obesity, and Weight Loss (CLOCK) A Gene That Controls When You Want to Eat (NPAS2) Can the Happiness Hormone Keep You From Feeling Tired? (DRD2) The Role of Serotonin in CFS & Fibromyalgia (HTR2A) Dysregulated Sleep-Wake Cycles & Fatigue (TPH2) A Chemical Messenger With Dual Roles in Fatigue (DRD3)

More energy & fatigue blogs

Does This Gene Influence Your Sleep Quality And Attention Span? (ADA) Can the Happiness Hormone Keep You From Feeling Tired? (DRD2) Opioid Involvement in Fatigue (OPRM1) The Role of Serotonin in CFS & Fibromyalgia (HTR2A) Dysregulated Sleep-Wake Cycles & Fatigue (TPH2) The Fight or Flight Response in Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ADRA1A) Can This Adrenaline Gene Prevent Chronic Fatigue? (ADRB2) A Chemical Messenger With Dual Roles in Fatigue (DRD3)

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Summary DRD2 and Fatigue Your DRD2 Results for Fatigue

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