Can COMT help with Schlaf?

The COMT gene variant (Val158Met) affects dopamine breakdown and thus indirectly influences sleep, stress regulation, and cognition. Individuals with the slow (Met/Met) variant have higher baseline dopamine levels, which may be associated with better sleep quality but also increased anxiety. The fast (Val/Val) variant is linked to lower dopamine levels, potentially poorer sleep quality, and higher stress reactivity. However, effect sizes are small, and lifestyle factors (light exposure, exercise, caffeine, stress) have a much larger impact on sleep. Consumer DNA tests often overstate or oversimplify these associations. A COMT result alone does not justify specific treatment or supplementation. For persistent sleep issues, a medical evaluation is essential – sleep disorders are multifactorial and cannot be reduced to a single gene.