Ashwin Lewis
Some people are short sleepers, meaning they can function with less than the 'normal' amount of sleep for their age group without any known adverse effects. While some people believe that this gives them an advantage, others argue that it can lead to health issues in the future.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Term | Short sleeper |
| Definition | People who can function with less than a 'normal' amount of sleep or rest for their age group without known adverse effects |
| Prevalence | Only a handful of small studies have looked at short sleepers. Dr. Christopher Jones, professor of clinical neurology at the University of Utah, says he has only identified about 20 true short sleepers |
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What You'll Learn
- Short sleepers: a term for people who can function with less sleep than their age group without adverse effects
- Short sleeper syndrome: a disorder where people don't need as much sleep as others
- Genetic factors: some people may need less sleep due to their genetics
- Health implications: a lack of sleep can have negative effects on health and cognitive function
- Sleep clinics: people with short sleeper syndrome may not be aware they have a disorder and therefore not seek treatment
Short sleepers: a term for people who can function with less sleep than their age group without adverse effects
Short sleepers is a term for people who can function with less sleep than their age group without adverse effects. These individuals can get by on less sleep than the average person without experiencing any negative consequences.
Some people believe that this is an unfair advantage, as it allows short sleepers to be more productive and efficient than those who require the full eight hours of sleep. However, it's important to note that short sleepers are not simply choosing to sleep less; they genuinely do not need as much sleep as others.
To date, only a handful of small studies have examined short sleepers, and it is estimated that there are only about 20 true short sleepers. Dr Christopher Jones, a professor of clinical neurology at the University of Utah, has identified some fascinating characteristics shared by these individuals.
While short sleepers may seem lucky, it's important to remember that sleep is crucial for overall health and well-being. Even if someone feels fine on less sleep, it doesn't mean that their body isn't suffering negative consequences.
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Short sleeper syndrome: a disorder where people don't need as much sleep as others
Short sleeper syndrome (SSS) is a sleep condition characterised by sleeping for fewer than six hours each night. Most adults need seven or more hours of sleep each night to feel rested in the morning, but those with SSS can function normally throughout the day despite getting less sleep. They don't need to take naps or sleep more than normal to recover from a lack of sleep.
The pattern of short sleep usually begins in childhood or adolescence and continues into adulthood. Researchers believe it may develop due to a gene mutation. This mutation may be what enables people to function well on fewer than six hours of sleep each night. So far, researchers have found about 50 families that have genetic mutations linked to short sleeper syndrome.
Natural short sleepers typically wake up refreshed and don't experience daytime drowsiness. They don't purposefully restrict or avoid sleep. In fact, their short sleep pattern is the same on most nights, including weekends and holidays.
There aren't specific short sleeper syndrome tests, but a healthcare provider may recommend a sleep study to check for sleep disorders.
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Genetic factors: some people may need less sleep due to their genetics
While the amount of sleep a person needs varies from person to person, genetics can play a role in determining how much sleep an individual requires.
Some people are short sleepers, a term which defines people who can function with less than a 'normal' amount of sleep for their age group without known adverse effects. Dr Christopher Jones, professor of clinical neurology at the University of Utah, has identified about 20 true short sleepers, who share some fascinating characteristics.
Genetics can also be a factor in sleep disorders. Both twin and genome-wide association studies show that sleep and sleep disorders are substantially influenced by genetic factors, and multiple specific genetic variants have been associated with sleep traits and disorders. For example, certain genetic variations have been linked to an increased risk of insomnia, such as variations in the circadian "CLOCK" gene, which plays a role in regulating the body's internal clock.
In addition to genetic influences, there are cultural, environmental, and behavioural factors that influence when and how much we sleep. For example, many people living in hot climates have an afternoon siesta to avoid activities in the midday sun, and consequently have shorter sleep duration at night.
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Health implications: a lack of sleep can have negative effects on health and cognitive function
Short sleepers are people who can function with less than a 'normal' amount of sleep without known adverse effects. However, a lack of sleep can have negative effects on health and cognitive function.
Poor sleep can take many forms, including short sleep duration or fragmented sleep. Without adequate sleep, the brain struggles to function properly. Neurons in the brain become overworked and less capable of optimal performance in various types of thinking. The short-term detriments of poor sleep on the brain and cognition can be the result of pulling an occasional all-nighter, while those with chronic sleep problems may see a continuous negative effect on day-to-day tasks. Over the long term, poor sleep may put someone at a higher risk of cognitive decline and dementia. Poor sleep can harm intellectual performance, academic achievement, creative pursuits, and productivity at work.
Cognitive functioning underlies nearly every aspect of our daily activities and is critical for optimal function. A meta-analysis found that experimentally manipulated sleep restriction negatively affected performance on tests of sustained long-term attention, executive function, and memory. Studies focused on immediate short-term attention, impulse control, decision-making, and general intelligence reported mixed results.
Extreme sleep durations on either end of the spectrum (too much or too little sleep) have a negative impact on working memory, executive functions, and memory among older adults. Studies have found that delayed sleep timing and inconsistent sleep patterns were associated with poor health outcomes that included cognitive function in the domains of attention, executive functions, learning, and memory.
Lack of sleep can hinder you from thinking clearly and keeping your emotions at an even keel. Studies show that excessive sleepiness can hurt work performance, wreak havoc on relationships, and lead to mood problems like anger and depression. Sleep improves learning, memory, and insight.
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Sleep clinics: people with short sleeper syndrome may not be aware they have a disorder and therefore not seek treatment
Short sleeper syndrome (SSS) is a sleep condition characterised by sleeping for fewer than six hours each night. Most adults need seven or more hours of sleep each night to feel rested in the morning. Those with SSS, however, can function normally throughout the day despite less sleep. They don't need to take naps or sleep more than normal to recover from a lack of sleep.
The pattern of short sleep usually begins in childhood or adolescence and continues into adulthood. Researchers believe it may develop due to a gene mutation. This mutation may be what enables people to function well on fewer than six hours of sleep each night.
It is difficult to know how many people have short sleeper syndrome because many factors affect how long a person sleeps. Researchers continue to study changes in genes (genetic mutations) linked to short sleeper syndrome. So far, researchers have found about 50 families that have genetic mutations linked to short sleeper syndrome.
There aren't specific short sleeper syndrome tests. But your healthcare provider may recommend a sleep study (polysomnography) to check for sleep disorders.
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Frequently asked questions
Short sleepers.
A short sleeper is someone who can function with less than a 'normal' amount of sleep for their age group without any known adverse effects.
Dr. Christopher Jones, professor of clinical neurology at the University of Utah, says he has only identified about 20 true short sleepers.
Short sleepers are unlikely to go to sleep clinics as they are not aware that they have a disorder.
