Herbie Murray
Some people need more sleep than others, and it's not just laziness. Research suggests genetics may play a role, but there are other factors at play too. Adolescents, for example, are prone to sleeping longer and finding it harder to wake up. Sleep disorders can also be a factor, with some people suffering from hypersomnia, or sleep drunkenness, which results in disorientation and a late start to the day.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Genetics | Research suggests genetics may play a role in why some people need more sleep. |
| Sleep disorders | Hypersomnia, or "sleep drunkenness", can cause people to sleep longer. |
| Age | Adolescents are prone to sleeping longer and finding it harder to wake up. |
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What You'll Learn
Genetics
The amount of sleep we need is determined by our genes, according to a study by the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI). The study found 126 variations in 80 different genes that could be linked to sleep duration. Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania have also found that the amount of rest we need for physical and mental performance may be up to 80% genetic.
The study of sleep genetics is still relatively new, and researchers are still asking basic questions about the role of genetics in sleep. For example, they are still unsure whether there is one gene responsible for determining how much sleep our body requires, or whether the ability to function on little sleep is caused by a genetic mutation.
The amount of sleep we need also changes as we age, and sleep needs vary from person to person. Most adults need to sleep seven or more hours each night, and not getting enough sleep can lead to physical and mental health problems.
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Circadian rhythms
Adolescents, for example, tend to have longer sleep patterns and find it more challenging to wake up early. This is attributed to a lengthening of their inner circadian clocks, which usually control sleep. Similarly, genetics also plays a role, with some people predisposed to require more or less sleep due to their DNA.
In some cases, sleeping longer than average may indicate an underlying sleep disorder, such as hypersomnia or "sleep drunkenness," which can cause disorientation and a late start to the day. It is important to note that regularly sleeping for ten or more hours could be a cause for concern and may warrant further investigation.
Overall, an individual's sleep needs are influenced by a combination of factors, including their genetics, age, and the health of their circadian rhythms. Understanding these factors can help people optimise their sleep habits and overall well-being.
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Sleep disorders
Most adults need seven to eight and a half hours of sleep, but some people can function well on just a few hours, while others need ten or more hours each day. If you are regularly sleeping for ten or more hours and still feel the need for a nap during the day, this could be an indication of something serious.
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Age
Adolescents are generally prone to sleeping longer and have a harder time waking up. This is believed to be associated with a lengthening of inner circadian clocks, which normally control sleep.
Research suggests genetics may play a role in why some people need those extra hours. Some are just predisposed to require more sleep.
The youngest and oldest respondents to sleep surveys often fall on the highest and lowest end of the scale.
The closer you get to the recommended amount of sleep for your age, the more your sleep needs will fall back into the recommendations for your age.
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Habits
It's important to remember that the amount of sleep we need is highly individual. While most adults need seven to eight and a half hours of sleep, some people need more, and some people need less.
If you're someone who needs more sleep than others, there could be a few reasons for this. One factor is genetics: some people are simply predisposed to require more sleep, and there's not much we can do about our genetics. However, we can take control of other factors that influence our sleep, such as the regularity of our bedtime and wake-up time. Maintaining a consistent sleep schedule can help regulate our body's internal clock, which controls our sleep patterns.
Another reason you might need more sleep is due to your age. Adolescents, for example, tend to sleep longer and have a harder time waking up. This is believed to be associated with changes in their inner circadian clocks, which normally control sleep.
In some cases, sleeping longer than average could be a sign of an underlying sleep disorder. For example, hypersomnia, or "sleep drunkenness," is characterised by excessive sleepiness and disorientation. If you're regularly sleeping 10 or more hours and still feel exhausted, it may be a good idea to consult a healthcare professional to rule out any potential sleep disorders.
Additionally, lifestyle factors and habits can play a role in how much sleep we need. Our daily activities, stress levels, diet, and exercise routines can all impact our sleep requirements. For example, if you lead an active lifestyle or have a physically demanding job, you might find that you need more sleep to recover and recharge. Similarly, if you're experiencing high levels of stress or have poor sleep hygiene habits, such as irregular sleep schedules or excessive screen time before bed, you may find that you need more sleep to feel rested.
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Frequently asked questions
Research suggests genetics may play a role in why some people need more sleep than others. Adolescents are also generally prone to sleep longer and have a harder time waking up.
Sleeping in on a Saturday morning is an indulgence, but regularly sleeping 10 or more hours may be an indication of something serious, especially if you’re still in desperate need of a midday nap.
While you can't change your genetics, you can control other factors that determine how much sleep you get, such as the regularity of your bedtime and rise time.
You might be suffering from a sleep disorder, such as hypersomnia, or "sleep drunkenness", which is nicknamed for its side effect of disorientation.
