Rare genetic mutation lets some people thrive on just 4 hours of shut-eye

Rare genetic mutation lets some people thrive on just 4 hours of shut-eye

A newly identified mutation helps super-sleepers get by on just four to six hours of shut-eye per night, while the rest of us need around eight hours. Researchers described the SIK3-N783Y mutation in a new study after testing it on sleep-deprived inbred mice.

Scientists Discover Genetic Mutation Linked to Needing Less Sleep

The answer to the question 'how much sleep do I need each night?' depends on a variety of factors, and we just found a new one: a rare mutation in the SIK3 gene that seems to enable the brain to function on less sleep than normal. Led by a team from the Chinese Academy of Sciences, researchers found the mutation in a healthy woman in her 70s, who slept an average of 6.3 hours per night. This was part of a wider project to identify people mat…

New Study Solves Mystery of Why Some People Thrive on Just a Few Hours of Sleep

Researchers link gene mutation to people who need just 3–6 hours of sleep. Credit: faungg’s photos / CC BY-ND 2.0 Most people need about eight hours of sleep each night to stay alert and healthy. However, a small group can function normally on three to six hours, and researchers may now understand why. A new study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences has identified a rare genetic mutation that could explain how some p…

Scientists shed new light on the mysterious memory-altering power of sleep

Scientists found that sleep plays an active role in transforming how memories are stored. After an immersive experience, participants remembered the order of events better after sleeping, suggesting the brain prioritizes storylines over details during deep sleep.

Natural short sleepers have a genetic mutation, finds new study

Not everyone needs 8 hours of sleep to function properly. Some people can feel well-rested and show no negative effects of sleep deprivation, even after just 4 hours of sleep, which is likely the result of a genetic mutation.

Most people need 7 to 9 hours of sleep each night to function properly physically and mentally. However, there is a small percentage of the population, just 1–5%, that is exempt from this rule. These are the people who sleep only 4 to 6 hours a day but remain healthy, energetic, and mentally clear without showing signs of fatigue or any health effects.