What role does COMT play in Schlaf?

COMT (catechol-O-methyltransferase) degrades dopamine and norepinephrine, especially in the prefrontal cortex. The common Val158Met variant (rs4680) alters enzyme activity: Met carriers have lower activity, leading to higher dopamine levels. This can modestly influence sleep by affecting sleep onset, slow-wave sleep, and circadian timing. However, the effect is small and not deterministic. Observational studies link COMT variants to sleep quality, but the evidence is moderate. Clinical significance of rs4680 is classified as benign. Other genes (e.g., BMAL1, MTNR1B) and lifestyle factors (stress, light exposure) have stronger impacts. Supplementing to boost dopamine based on COMT genotype lacks strong evidence and may cause side effects. For sleep improvement, evidence-based strategies like consistent sleep schedules and stress management are more reliable. Caveat: consumer DNA tests do not diagnose sleep disorders.