Researchers have made an exciting discovery. Specifically, they found one mutation, SIK3-N783Y, that allows some people to do well on only four to six hours of sleep nightly. The research, published today in the journal Science, provides new insights into the genetic mechanisms that underlie sleep patterns and explains why humans have different sleep needs. Most adults require seven to nine hours of sleep each night in order to feel and perform their best. Thanks to one rare mutation, a special breed of people — the natural short sleepers — are able to function on far less sleep.
Through a series of experiments on mice, the research team aimed to answer both of these questions. They discovered that SIK3-N783Y mutant mice slept about 31 minutes less than their non-mutant counterparts. This surprising discovery provides fresh opportunities to study how genetic factors can influence sleep duration and quality.
As climate change reporter Patrick Pester wrote recently for Live Science, these findings have important implications. Pester holds a master’s degree in international journalism from Cardiff University. He was selected for the Master’s Excellence Scholarship based on his excellent performance throughout his studies. He received joint second-master degrees in biodiversity, evolution, and conservation in action from Middlesex University London. Pester, who got his start in zoos and wildlife conservation, now re-trained as a journalist, he applies this unusual perspective to his writing.
Our sleep requirements evolve as we get older. There are some adults who require less sleep than others, but only a handful out of the population will be perfectly rested after just four hours. This intrepid phenomenon can perhaps be connected with atypical hereditary mutations that increase sleep efficiency. Ying-Hui Fu, one of the researchers behind the study, discussed the importance of the newly discovered SIK3 gene in terms of sleepiness.
“Our bodies continue to work when we go to bed,” – Ying-Hui Fu
Fu’s research highlighted that natural short sleepers have more efficient bodily functions. By comparison, the sleep-deprived underperform.
“These people [natural short sleepers], all these functions our bodies are doing while we are sleeping, they can just perform at a higher level than we can.” – Ying-Hui Fu
The consequences of insufficient sleep are well-documented. When people don’t get enough sleep, they feel tired and mental fog sets in. This sleep deprivation has been shown to increase their risk of cardiovascular disease. The study’s findings may have a profound effect on public health. Everyone is now facing the consequences of sleep deprivation on physical health, mental health, and quality of life.
Normally, under standard housing conditions, mice spend most of their time — around 12 hours per day — sleeping. Those with the SIK3-N783Y mutation experience alterations to their sleep profile, exemplifying the ways genetic differences can affect behavior and health. Scientists have only begun to map the genetic terrain of sleep. This foundational work paves the way for further exploration of sleep disorders and sleep interventions.
