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READ MORE: Researchers explain why you should ALWAYS avoid pressing the snooze alarm
Everyone frequently hears about the advantages of obtaining a minimum of seven hours of sleep each night.
However, a recent study has found that some individuals can flourish with just three hours of sleep.
Where most of us would probably doze off at work or fall asleep on the train, these individuals seem wide awake and full of energy.
Experts have now identified a newly discovered genetic variation associated with 'short sleeper syndrome'.
It may also aid in developing therapies for sleep-related conditions like insomnia and obstructive sleep apnea.
Are you among the rare individuals who thrive with only minimal sleep each night?
"Our bodies keep functioning even as we sleep, carrying out processes like cleansing toxins and healing tissue," said co-author Ying-Hui Fu, a neuroscientist from the University of California in San Francisco, explained.
Nature
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These individuals, along with all the processes our bodies carry out during sleep, are capable of functioning at a much greater capacity than we realize.
Since the start of the 2000s, Professor Fu and her colleagues have been studying the genetic makeup of individuals known as short sleepers—those who function well with six hours or fewer of sleep each night.
To date, they have discovered five genetic variations across four different genes which may play a role in this characteristic.
This involves a single gene that plays a role in controlling the circadian rhythm — the body’s natural timing system that manages when we feel awake or sleepy throughout each 24-hour period.
The newest segment of
study
The researchers looked for new genetic mutations in the DNA of a natural short sleeper who averaged about 6.3 hours of sleep each night.
They found one in SIK3, a gene responsible for producing a specific kind of protein that transmits chemical messages to other proteins, altering their functions.
The researchers discovered that mice genetically modified with the same mutation also experienced reduced sleep – although only slightly.
These animals typically snooze for around 12 hours a day, and those with the genetic mutation slept for around 31 minutes less.
The study revealed that the genetic mutation could reduce sleep duration by enhancing the brain’s capacity for self-regulation and sustaining internal stability.
**What Is ‘Short Sleeper Syndrome’?**
‘Short Sleeper Syndrome,’ also known as familial natural short sleep syndrome, refers to a rare genetic condition where individuals naturally require significantly less sleep than what’s typically recommended—usually around 4–6 hours per night—and still wake up feeling fully rested without experiencing fatigue.
People with this trait do not suffer from negative health effects due to their reduced sleeping time. In fact, they tend to be energetic throughout the day and maintain excellent cognitive function despite getting fewer total hours of sleep compared to average adults who generally need about 7–9 hours for optimal performance and well-being.
This phenomenon was first identified through research into families whose members consistently exhibited these characteristics across generations, suggesting an inherited component tied closely related genes involved regulating circadian rhythm patterns within human bodies' internal clocks system . Some studies indicate mutations affecting specific proteins like DEC2 may play key roles influencing how much we rest each evening before rising again next morning refreshed ready tackle daily tasks head-on effortlessly going beyond limits most people would find challenging under similar circumstances but possible thanks nature rather artificial means such stimulants drugs etcetera employed temporarily boost alertness levels artificially albeit sometimes dangerously depending usage frequency dosage amounts taken regularly over extended periods potentially leading dependency issues side effects ranging mild headaches jitters more severe complications heart irregularities anxiety disorders insomnia paradoxically even long-term deprivation problems arise when body becomes reliant external sources stimulation instead relying own biological mechanisms designed handle energy conservation recovery processes during normal undisturbed slumber cycles aligned properly synchronized diurnal activity schedules dictated primarily sunlight exposure timing meal consumption physical exercise habits overall lifestyle choices made consciously unconsciously impact quality quantity depth REM stages experienced nightly determining effectiveness rejuvenation achieved via consistent healthy bedtime routines followed diligently maintaining good mental emotional psychological balance essential sustaining high-quality life standards enjoyed both mentally physically resilient persons blessed possessing extraordinary ability thrive minimal resting times required others achieve same level productivity efficiency output rate outputs generated respective fields expertise endeavors pursued passionately enthusiastically continuously improving honing skills mastering crafts arts sciences whatever domain individual chooses excel ultimately benefiting society whole contributing meaningful ways shaping future developments innovations breakthroughs unimaginable possibilities open doors previously closed limiting factors associated conventional understanding necessary amount repose needed sustain vitality longevity among general population majority humans fall category needing regular sufficient shut-eye order perform optimally avoid adverse consequences lack thereof including impaired judgment reaction speed memory retention learning capacity immune response stress management abilities mood regulation interpersonal relationships professional growth opportunities personal development achievements milestones reached successfully fulfilling aspirations dreams goals set forth determined persistent effort combined discipline commitment excellence pursuit greatness regardless obstacles faced along journey towards self-actualization realization full potential realized actualized lived out reality tangible outcomes visible measurable impactful lasting impressions left behind legacy created enduring influence exerted positive directions forward progress advancement civilization 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Short Sleeeper Syndrome (SSS), also known as Familial Natural Short Sleep (FNSS), is a rare trait characterized by the ability to thrive on significantly less sleep than average—usually around four to six hours each night—without experiencing negative effects.
However, some can thrive on as little as three hours of slumber every day.
They often wake up feeling refreshed and alert, without needing to nap or sleep longer on weekends.
SSS is generally not classified as a sleep disorder, and those with this condition usually do not face adverse health effects due to their shorter-than-average sleep patterns.
Clifford Saper, a neurologist from Harvard Medical School in Boston, Massachusetts, noted that since the mice experienced only partial sleep loss, this suggests that the SIK3 mutation does not significantly contribute to lower sleep requirements.
Nevertheless, it undoubtedly has at least some effect.
"This study aligns closely with our current understanding of SIK3, which could provide insights into the underlying causes of sleepiness," he explained.
Researchers aim to identify sufficient genetic mutations in individuals who naturally require less sleep, hoping this will enhance understanding of human sleep regulation and potentially pave the way for treatments targeting sleep-related conditions.
Well-known figures like Winston Churchill and Margaret Thatcher were known to function on only four or five hours of sleep each night. That said, most people would not be wise to follow their example.
Research from 2022 revealed that individuals who get fewer than five hours of sleep each night in their older years may face an increased chance of developing a long-term health condition by approximately one-fifth.
Scientists examined data from 7,864 individuals in Britain, questioning them about their typical weekday night’s amount of rest when they reached ages 50, 60, and 70.
Over a period of 25 years, these individuals were monitored to determine whether they would develop any of the 13 frequently occurring long-term illnesses listed, such as type 2 diabetes, coronary artery disease, or Alzheimer’s.
Individuals who are 50 years old and get five hours or less of sleep each night have been shown to be 20 percent more prone to experiencing their initial occurrence of any of the thirteen conditions when contrasted with individuals obtaining seven hours of rest.
However, they were also at greater risk of developing two or more of these conditions later on.
The study indicates that insufficient sleep is associated not just with developing diseases later in life, but also with experiencing several conditions simultaneously, increasing the likelihood of needing hospital care and facing physical limitations.
Jo Whitmore, a senior cardiac nurse from the British Heart Foundation—which provided funding for the study—stated: "This study contributes to an expanding collection of evidence underscoring the significance of achieving quality sleep each night."
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