
It is a common misconception that everyone needs the same amount of sleep. However, this is not the case. While some people are short sleepers, others are long sleepers. Researchers at the University of California, San Francisco have found that short sleepers have a mutation in seven genes that play a role in regulating sleep and mood. They tend to score higher than average on tests of energy, optimism, and pain tolerance. The goal is to achieve sleep that is regenerative and consolidated, meaning restful without medications and, if possible, without interruption.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Some people are short sleepers | They need relatively little sleep and tend to score higher than average on tests of energy, optimism, and pain tolerance |
| Some people are long sleepers | They need more sleep than short sleepers |
| Sleep should be regenerative and consolidated | Restful without medications and, if possible, without interruption |
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What You'll Learn

Short sleepers
It is not the case that every person needs the same amount of sleep. Some people are short sleepers, needing relatively little sleep, while others are long sleepers. Short sleepers tend to score higher than average on tests of energy, optimism, and pain tolerance. Researchers at the University of California, San Francisco have found that short sleepers have a mutation in seven genes that play a role in regulating sleep and mood. It is rare for a person to get by on just four and a half hours of sleep, but some individuals can.
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Long sleepers
Not everyone needs the same amount of sleep. Some people are long sleepers, while others are short sleepers. Long sleepers need more sleep than the average person.
There are a host of reasons why some people are long sleepers. One way to achieve more regenerative and consolidated sleep is to impose a regular structure on your day. This includes trying to wake up and go to bed at the same time every day, exercising during the morning or early evening peaks, having meals at set hours, avoiding eating dinner too close to bedtime, and powering down your phone or tablet an hour or two before sleep.
It is rare for someone to need more than nine hours of sleep, but those individuals exist.
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Internal clock
Not everyone needs the same amount of sleep. Some people are short sleepers, needing relatively little sleep, while others are long sleepers. Short sleepers tend to score higher than average on tests of energy, optimism, and pain tolerance. Researchers at the University of California, San Francisco, have found that short sleepers have a mutation in seven genes that play a role in regulating sleep and mood.
Your internal clock can be nudged into alignment by imposing a regular structure on your day. This includes waking up and going to bed at the same time every day, exercising during the morning or early evening, eating meals at set hours, avoiding eating dinner too close to bedtime, and powering down your phone or tablet an hour or two before sleep.
It is rare for someone to get by on just four and a half hours of sleep, but those individuals do exist. The goal is to achieve sleep that is regenerative and consolidated, meaning restful without medications and, if possible, without interruption. The closer you get to these goals, the more your sleep needs will fall back into the recommendations for your age.
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Age
The amount of sleep a person needs varies from person to person. While some people are short sleepers, others are long sleepers. Researchers at the University of California, San Francisco have found that short sleepers have a mutation in seven genes that play a role in regulating sleep and mood. These people tend to score higher than average on tests of energy, optimism, and pain tolerance.
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Interruption
Sleep is an essential part of our lives, but not everyone needs the same amount. Some people are short sleepers, requiring relatively little sleep and scoring higher on tests of energy, optimism, and pain tolerance. Researchers at the University of California, San Francisco, have found that short sleepers have a mutation in seven genes that play a role in regulating sleep and mood. On the other hand, some people are long sleepers, needing more sleep than the average person.
While it is rare, some individuals can function with just four and a half hours of sleep. To achieve optimal sleep, it is recommended to have a regular daily structure. This includes waking up and going to bed at the same time each day, exercising during morning or early evening peaks, having meals at set hours, avoiding eating dinner too close to bedtime, and powering down electronic devices an hour or two before sleep.
Additionally, it is worth noting that our sleep needs can change over time. As we age, our sleep requirements may shift, and it is essential to pay attention to our bodies' signals and adjust our sleep habits accordingly. By prioritising regenerative and consolidated sleep, we can ensure that we are getting the rest we need to function at our best.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, some people are short sleepers and some are long sleepers.
Short sleepers need relatively little sleep and tend to score higher than average on tests of energy, optimism and pain tolerance.
It is rare for someone to get by on four and a half hours of sleep, but it is possible.
To achieve regenerative and consolidated sleep, it is recommended to wake up and go to bed at the same time every day, exercise during morning or early evening peaks, have meals at set hours, avoid eating dinner too close to bedtime, and power down your phone or tablet an hour or two before sleep.











































