Which factor can influence a person's sleep patterns genetically?

Genetic factors can significantly influence various aspects of sleep, including both sleep duration and quality. Research has shown that specific genes are linked to sleep traits, such as how long someone sleeps and how restorative that sleep is. These genetic predispositions can affect circadian rhythms, the tendency to be a morning or evening person (known as chronotype), and susceptibility to sleep disorders.

For example, some individuals may carry genetic variants that promote shorter sleep needs, while others may require more sleep for optimal functioning. Additionally, the quality of sleep, including factors such as how deeply someone sleeps and their sleep architecture (the structure of sleep cycles), can also be influenced by genetics. This connection to genetics highlights the biological underpinnings of sleep behavior, making this option the most relevant in the context of how genetics can affect sleep patterns.

The other options focus on environmental or lifestyle factors that may influence sleep patterns but are not directly linked to genetic influences. Sleep duration and quality encompass both genetic and behavioral influences, emphasizing the integral role genetics plays in shaping sleep characteristics.