DNA App Spotlight: Better Sleep, Improved Moods and Managing Alzheimer’s Risk

In this week’s App Spotlight, we’ll share three apps that use your unique genetic data to help you get better sleep, improve your mood and manage your risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease and dementia.

Let’s get started!

Spotlight App #1: The Sleep DNA Wellness Report by SelfDecode

Are you getting enough sleep? If you feel like the answer is “no,” you’re not alone. According to the ⁠National Sleep Foundation, almost 40 percent of Americans report getting fewer than 7 hours of sleep per night. 

Whether you’re an office worker or an athlete, sleep is as essential to your health as food or water. Many studies have shown that getting adequate sleep can reduce stress, strengthen your immune system, increase athletic performance, and even help to improve your memory.

As you may have experienced, getting more or better quality sleep isn’t as easy as going to bed earlier. Sleep is a complex biological process, governed by various hormones and neurotransmitters, and affected by your environment. 

The good news is that many secrets to a better night’s sleep are hidden in your genetic data. We’re excited to introduce the Sleep DNA Wellness Report app, available now on Sequencing.com. The Sleep DNA Wellness Report app analyzes your genetic data to assess your risk of suffering from sleep-related conditions. Based on this data, you’ll receive personalized recommendations on how to improve the duration and quality of your sleep. 

Here are some of the genetic traits that you’ll uncover in the Sleep DNA Wellness Report:

Disrupted Sleep Patterns - learn about your risk of suffering from conditions like insomnia and narcolepsy

Sleep Disorders - understand your genetic makeup and susceptibility to conditions that affect your sleep, like restless leg syndrome, overnight teeth grinding (bruxism) and obstructive sleep apnea

Sleep Metrics - get personalized recommendations for improving your sleep quality and your optimal sleep duration

If you’re longing for a better night’s sleep, the Sleep DNA Wellness Report app is an excellent place to start.

Spotlight App #2: The Mood DNA Wellness Report by SelfDecode

Have you ever felt that no matter how hard you try, sometimes you just can’t seem to put a smile on your face? Moods and emotions are a constant part of our lives, affecting our attitudes, behaviors, and relationships. 

It might surprise you to learn that your genetics play a significant role in controlling your emotional balance and mood. In fact, researchers have identified hundreds of genetic variations in dozens of different genes that can affect your emotional state. With that kind of complexity, it’s understandable that maintaining a positive, happy mood can be a challenge!

Of course, there are a variety of genetic, lifestyle, and environmental factors that influence your mood and mental state. But what if you could become happier and improve your mood based on information from your genes?

The Mood DNA Wellness Report app is the key to understanding the emotional data hiding in your genetics. Based on findings from more than 250 independent scientific studies, the Mood DNA Wellness Report app offers a comprehensive overview of 165 genetic variants in 92 different genes that can affect your mood.

The Mood DNA Wellness Report app offers insight into these areas:

Neurotransmitter Imbalances - including serotonin, acetylcholine, dopamine, oxytocin and more

Stress Response - a DNA-based look at your emotional balance in response to various stresses you might encounter

Mood-Influencing Genes - including those hypothesized to be at least partially responsible for depression

Risk of Seasonal Mood Problems - such as seasonal affective disorder or “SAD”

A Personalized Action Plan - that shares tips, supplements and other steps that you can take to improve your mood

If you’re ready to take the first steps to improve your emotional balance, moods, or stress levels, check out the Mood DNA Wellness Report app today.

Spotlight App #3: The APOE Brain Health DNA Report by SelfDecode

Did you know that there’s a single genetic risk factor that can signal an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, high cholesterol, chronic inflammation, and even Alzheimer’s disease? 

⁠Apolipoprotein E or “APOE” is one of the many proteins found in the human body. While its primary role is the metabolism and transport of cholesterol and other fats in the bloodstream, studies suggest that having a specific allele — or genetic version — of APOE can signal an increased risk of significant health disorders including those listed above.

The APOE gene is also considered one of the most significant known indicators of late-onset Alzheimer’s disease risk. Alzheimer’s disease is a degenerative brain disease, leading to a gradual loss of memory, judgment, and the ability to function.

In the past, it was believed that there was little one could do to reduce their risk of developing dementia due to Alzheimer’s disease. ⁠But new studies continue to show that it is possible to reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s dementia, even when genetic risk factors like APOE are present.

Understanding your APOE allele allows you to stay ahead of the potential risks to your cardiovascular and brain health. The APOE Brain Health DNA Wellness Report offers an in-depth analysis of your APOE genetics. Guided by more than 150 scientific studies, the APOE Brain Health DNA Wellness Report app helps you to understand your APOE allele variant and what it could mean for your future.

The APOE Brain Health DNA Wellness Report app offers:

A Complete APOE Gene Analysis - including your APOE genotype status, PPAR-γ function and more

A Full Risk Assessment - of health risks related to the APOE gene, including Alzheimer’s disease

An APOE Action Plan - with detailed diet, lifestyle and supplement recommendations based on your genetic analysis

Get your personalized APOE Brain Health DNA Wellness Report today, and take the next steps to improve your cognitive health.

The above are just three of the many dozens of DNA apps that are available at Sequencing.com. Be sure to visit our DNA App Store to view all of our DNA apps, many of which are free. Simply upload or import your genetic data using any of the supported testing providers or formats. It’s that easy.