Evie Summers
Sleep is an essential function that allows the body and mind to recharge, but the amount of sleep a person needs varies. While most sleep experts recommend seven to eight hours each night, some people need more sleep to function optimally, and this could be influenced by genetics. Research has identified a short-sleep gene in people who sleep less than six and a half hours each night without any apparent ill effects. On the other hand, regularly sleeping ten or more hours could be a sign of something serious, such as a sleep disorder or an underlying medical condition. Sleep is crucial for physical and mental health, and not getting enough sleep can lead to problems with concentration, memory, emotional regulation, and judgment.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Reason | Genetic factors, sleep disorders, mental health issues, underlying medical conditions, age, lifestyle, and job type |
| Sleep Duration | Some people need more than 10 hours of sleep |
| Sleep Disorders | Hypersomnia, Kleine-Levin syndrome |
| Mental Health Issues | Depression |
| Medical Conditions | Traumatic brain injuries |
| Age | Sleep needs vary across different age groups |
| Lifestyle | High achievers tend to sleep less |
| Job Type | People with laborious jobs or athletes might need more sleep |
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What You'll Learn
Sleep needs are influenced by genetics
Research has shown that the circadian sleep-wake cycle is based on a complex feedback loop of genetic transcription over a 24-hour cycle. The circadian rhythm is controlled by light input transmitted from the retina to the suprachiasmatic nucleus in the hypothalamus. Cells within the suprachiasmatic nucleus contain a molecular feedback loop with a cycle of approximately 24 hours. The first gene discovered that involved the circadian rhythm was called CLOCK; it was found on chromosome 5, which encodes for the CLOCK protein.
Additional genes involved in the sleep-wake cycle are BMAL1 (or ARNTL), PERIOD (PER1, PER2, and PER3), and cryptochrome 1 and 2 (CRY1 and CRY2). The molecular basis of the circadian clock has a feedback loop involving the CLOCK/BMAL1, PER, and CRY proteins produced by these genes.
Furthermore, genetic factors can predispose some people to be more susceptible to adverse side effects of sleep loss. For example, people with a mutation that results in a sleep system that sends out a very strong drive to sleep may be much less likely to develop insomnia than the average person. However, they may have much more difficulty coping with a job that requires working a 24-hour shift.
In summary, sleep needs are influenced by a combination of genetic, cultural, environmental, and behavioural factors. While the exact mechanisms remain to be fully understood, ongoing research in this area holds promise for improving sleep and health outcomes and developing novel treatments for sleep disorders.
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A long-sleep gene may be discovered in the future
While there is no evidence of a "long-sleep gene" as of 2024, therapist Annie Miller says she wouldn't be surprised to hear about such a discovery in the future. "Our sleep need is largely based on genetics," she says, so it would make sense.
Scientists have discovered two "short-sleep genes" as of 2025, but they are still learning about the mechanisms of healthy sleep. The discovery of these genes is a small part of a large puzzle, and further research using human populations is likely to offer more insight.
In 2014, a study suggested that the amount of time people spend sleeping is linked with two regions of their DNA. The study examined data from over 47,000 people of European ancestry and nearly 5,000 African-Americans. The researchers compared people's genetic information with how long they reported sleeping on an average night. The results revealed two regions of DNA that might be related to how long a person usually sleeps.
The first region was associated with longer-than-average sleeping times, while the second was linked to shorter-than-average sleeping times. Previous studies had connected the first region with better glucose metabolism and a lower likelihood of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. The second region had been associated with an increased risk of depression and schizophrenia.
While the researchers did not know the underlying mechanisms explaining the observed association between sleep duration and the two genetic regions, they speculated that the first gene region might influence sleep patterns by regulating thyroid hormone levels. The DNA region is located near a gene called PAX8, which is involved in thyroid development and function.
In 2019, scientists discovered the first "short-sleep gene", which promotes "natural short sleep". People with this gene sleep less than six-and-a-half hours each night without any apparent ill effects. This discovery proved that sleep needs are highly individual and influenced by genetics.
In 2025, scientists discovered a second "short-sleep gene". The researchers identified a family with three successive generations of natural short sleepers and used gene sequencing and linkage analysis to uncover a single-letter mutation in a gene known as ADRB1, which was associated with natural short sleep. Experiments in lab-grown cells and mice revealed that the mutant form of the beta-1 adrenergic receptor degrades more rapidly than the non-mutant version, suggesting that it might function differently.
While the discovery of a "long-sleep gene" remains elusive, the identification of "short-sleep genes" provides valuable insights into the genetics of sleep and may contribute to a better understanding of sleep disorders and their relation to other health conditions.
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Sleep disorders can cause longer sleep
Insomnia
Insomnia is a common sleep disorder that makes it difficult for people to fall asleep or stay asleep. It often occurs during stressful periods and can become chronic if symptoms persist for three months or more. Insomnia can be treated with cognitive-behavioural therapy and supplementary medications.
Sleep apnea
Sleep apnea causes frequent interruptions in breathing during sleep, occurring at least five times an hour. This disrupts sleep quality and oxygen levels, leading to daytime sleepiness and fatigue. Sleep apnea can be treated with continuous positive airway pressure therapy (CPAP) or mandibular advancement devices to prevent airway collapse.
Circadian rhythm disorders
These disorders occur when an individual's internal clock (circadian rhythm) is misaligned with the external day-night cycle. This can lead to insomnia or repeated waking, resulting in insufficient sleep and associated problems with mood and focus. Treatment involves creating brain cues for rest and wakefulness using melatonin and bright light exposure.
Movement disorders
Restless leg syndrome, a type of movement disorder, causes an irresistible urge to move the legs, usually accompanied by uncomfortable sensations. It can make it challenging to sit still and fall asleep at night. Doctors may recommend iron supplements or symptomatic relief through medication and foot wraps.
Narcolepsy
Narcolepsy is a nervous system disorder caused by a lack of orexin brain chemicals. It results in sudden muscle weakness (cataplexy) triggered by strong emotions and periods of overwhelming sleepiness. Treatment options include sleep hygiene, napping, driving safety, and stimulant medications.
It is important to consult a healthcare professional if you suspect you have a sleep disorder. They can provide a proper diagnosis and recommend appropriate treatment options.
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Mental health issues can cause longer sleep
Mental health issues can have a significant impact on sleep duration and quality. For instance, anxiety can lead to racing or repetitive thoughts, making it challenging to fall asleep. It can also cause panic attacks during the night, disrupting sleep. Similarly, depression and seasonal affective disorder (SAD) often result in oversleeping, with individuals staying in bed longer or sleeping more frequently throughout the day. In some cases, depression may also trigger insomnia.
Traumatic experiences can also affect sleep patterns, leading to flashbacks, nightmares, or night terrors that interrupt sleep. Additionally, individuals with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) may feel anxious about falling asleep or experience nightmares that wake them up. The constant worry and fear associated with anxiety disorders can further contribute to insomnia.
Bipolar disorder, which involves episodes of extreme mood swings, also influences sleep patterns. During manic periods, individuals often feel less need for sleep, while depressive episodes may lead to excessive sleeping.
Medications used to treat mental health conditions can also have side effects that impact sleep. Psychiatric drugs, for instance, may cause insomnia, disturbed sleep, nightmares, or oversleeping. Furthermore, discontinuing these medications can also lead to sleep problems.
The relationship between mental health and sleep is bidirectional, meaning that not only do mental health issues affect sleep, but poor sleep can also worsen mental health. Therefore, addressing sleep issues and improving sleep quality can be a crucial component of treating mental health disorders and enhancing overall mental well-being.
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Medical conditions can cause longer sleep
While the amount of sleep a person needs varies from individual to individual, some people need extra sleep to function optimally. There is no evidence of a "long-sleep gene" as there is of the short-sleep gene, but it is likely that there will be a discovery of one in the future. "Our sleep need is largely based on genetics," says Annie Miller, a therapist at DC Metro Sleep and Psychotherapy.
People dealing with chronic illnesses, autoimmune conditions, or other medical problems may need more sleep than others. If you have a highly laborious job, such as construction work, you might need more sleep than someone who works a desk job because your body needs more time to recover. Similarly, athletes prioritize sleep and most probably sleep more than the average person because their lifestyle and career depend on it.
- Hypersomnia: Hypersomnia is a condition in which a person feels extreme daytime sleepiness despite getting more than an adequate amount of nighttime sleep. People with hypersomnia fall asleep several times during the day and have trouble remaining awake. They also experience "sleep drunkenness", or difficulty waking up in the morning or after daytime naps, sometimes appearing confused or combative. Hypersomnia is caused by a variety of factors, including medical conditions such as epilepsy, hypothyroidism, encephalitis, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's disease, obesity, obstructive sleep apnea, delayed sleep phase syndrome, multiple systems atrophy, myotonic dystrophy, and other genetic disorders, mood disorders (including depression, bipolar disorder, and seasonal depression), head trauma, tumors, and central nervous system diseases. It can also be caused by medications or alcohol, or by not getting enough sleep (insufficient sleep syndrome).
- Sleep disorders: Sleep disorders such as insomnia, sleep apnea, restless leg syndrome, and circadian rhythm sleep-wake disorders can negatively affect the amount of quality sleep a person gets, resulting in daytime drowsiness.
- Mental health disorders: Nearly 80% of people with major depression experience excessive daytime sleepiness. Bipolar disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and general anxiety disorder are also associated with sleeping problems that may give rise to bouts of excessive sleepiness.
- Neurological conditions: Neurological conditions such as narcolepsy and neurodegenerative diseases, including dementia and Parkinson's disease, are tied to sleeping difficulties and daytime drowsiness.
- Injury and infection: Traumatic brain injury (TBI) and concussions commonly cause sleeping problems, and brain tumors or lesions may provoke excessive sleepiness. Infections, including meningitis and those that cause swelling of the brain, can also lead to excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS).
- Neurodevelopmental disorders: Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and autism spectrum disorder (ASD) have been linked to sleeping issues, including daytime sleepiness.
- Other health problems: Metabolic problems, including diabetes and hypothyroidism, can be risk factors for drowsiness. Medical conditions like anemia, abnormal blood sodium levels, and electrolyte imbalances can also provoke excessive sleepiness.
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Frequently asked questions
Research suggests genetics may play a role in why some people need those extra hours. Adolescents are also prone to sleep longer and have a harder time waking up.
Sleep recommendations are like water recommendations. No one really knows exactly how much water people need each day, so there's no single "best" recommendation for sleep either. While most sleep experts recommend seven to eight hours each night, people shouldn't feel pressured by this number.
Yes, some people might only need four to six hours of sleep each night. Scientists actually discovered a "'short-sleep gene' in 2019. People with this gene naturally sleep less than six-and-a-half hours each night without any apparent ill effects.
Not getting enough sleep can lead to physical and mental health problems. Just one sleepless night can make it harder to focus and think clearly, and you might feel tired or sluggish during the day. Sleep deprivation also significantly elevates your risk of making a mistake at work or having a car accident.
There are three non-rapid eye movement (non-REM) stages of sleep followed by rapid eye movement (REM), the final stage of sleep. Experiencing all four usually takes anywhere from 1.5 to 2 hours.
