You’ve probably been told that you have « your mother’s eyes » or « her mother’s smile. » But what you inherit from her goes far beyond what you see in the mirror. Some of your habits, emotional reactions… even your sense of humor could be inscribed in your maternal genes. Curious? What you’re about to discover might surprise you.
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Mood: When emotions run in the family
Do you sometimes feel like you react like your mother to stress or bad news? It may not be a coincidence. Researchers have identified that brain structures involved in managing emotions—particularly the corticolimbic system—can be passed down from mothers, especially to daughters. This transmission could explain a certain predisposition to mood disorders, such as anxiety or depression. Fortunately, factors such as environment, emotional support, and a balanced lifestyle can offset this inherited sensitivity.
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Sleep: like mother, like bed?
If your mother often woke up in the middle of the night or had trouble falling asleep, you may be experiencing the same problems. According to a study published in Sleep Medicine , sleep disorders like insomnia are frequently passed down from mother to child. This heredity could even determine whether you’re a night person or a morning person . To remedy this, focus on good sleep hygiene: a cool bedroom, no screens before bed, and regular bedtimes .
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Aging: a mitochondrial legacy
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