Ashwin Lewis
Sleep is a necessity for all humans, but some people need more of it than others. While some can function perfectly well on just a few hours of sleep, others need a good 10 hours or more each day to remain chipper. This variation is thought to be down to our genes, with researchers at the University of California, San Francisco finding that short sleepers have a mutation in seven genes that play a role in regulating sleep. However, it's not just genetics that can affect how much sleep we need; the quality of our sleep is also important. Poor-quality sleep can lead to needing more than the baseline for your age, and factors such as having a regular sleep schedule, exercising, and avoiding electronics before bed can all impact sleep quality. Additionally, the more novel experiences we have during the day, the better we might sleep at night.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Genes | People who need more sleep have different genes to those who need less sleep |
| Novel experiences | The more novel experiences a person has, the better they sleep |
| Age | Age influences the amount of sleep a person needs |
| Work or school schedules | Work or school schedules influence the amount of sleep a person gets |
| Environment | Environmental factors influence the amount of sleep a person gets |
| Lifestyle | Lifestyle factors influence the amount of sleep a person gets |
| Social factors | Social factors influence the amount of sleep a person gets |
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What You'll Learn
Genes
A study published in the journal PLOS Genetics has shed some light on this topic, suggesting that our personal sleep needs may be influenced by our genes. This means that if you require a full 10 hours of sleep each night to function optimally, it's not because you're lazy; it's simply a matter of your DNA.
Additionally, researchers like Dr. Ying-Hui Fu and Dr. Louis Ptáček from the University of California, San Francisco, have identified specific genes involved in unusual sleep patterns. They studied a family with three generations of "short sleepers," who only needed between four and six hours of sleep per night to feel well-rested. This rare mutation is found in only one in 4 million people and seems to be linked to more efficient brain cleaning during sleep, which may reduce the risk of Alzheimer's disease.
Understanding these genetic variations can have significant implications for improving sleep quality and overall health. For instance, it could lead to the development of medications that help insomniacs or those who struggle to get sufficient sleep, allowing them to maximise the benefits of their limited sleep.
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Age
One study found that 60-72-year-olds slept for an average of 7.5 hours per day, while 18-32-year-olds slept for almost nine hours. However, it's important to note that older adults may seem to sleep more because they take daytime naps, which can be a result of not getting enough sleep at night.
Additionally, advanced age is a risk factor for sleep disorders like REM Sleep Behaviour Disorder and sleep apnea. Sleep patterns change with age, and it's not uncommon for older adults to experience sleep difficulties due to factors like nocturia, anxiety, and discomfort or pain from chronic illnesses.
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Novel experiences
Some people need more sleep than others, and this may be down to our genes. Scientists have asked why some people can't get out of bed, while others can function perfectly well on just a few hours of sleep. A study published in the journal PLOS Genetics found that our personal sleep requirements may be down to our DNA.
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Babies need more sleep
Sleep requirements vary from person to person. Some people can function with just a few hours of sleep, while others need a good 10 hours or more each day.
Babies need to sleep early and often to preserve what they've learned. Their brains are rapidly developing, and sleep is crucial for consolidating new information. As a result, babies need more sleep than adults.
During sleep, the brain processes and consolidates new memories, strengthening neural connections. This process is especially important for infants, who are constantly learning and absorbing new information about the world around them.
The amount of sleep a baby needs gradually decreases as they grow older. Newborns typically sleep for around 16 hours a day, while toddlers may only need about 12 hours. This decrease in sleep needs is due to the brain's increasing efficiency as it matures.
However, it's important to note that the quality of sleep is also essential for babies. They need uninterrupted sleep in a safe and comfortable environment to ensure optimal brain development.
Additionally, babies' sleep patterns are often irregular, with frequent naps throughout the day. As they grow, their sleep patterns become more consolidated, eventually leading to the monophasic sleep pattern of adulthood, where sleep occurs in one long block at night.
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Sleep averages
Additionally, some people may be short sleepers, requiring less sleep than average, while others may be long sleepers, needing more sleep than most. These variations in sleep averages can be influenced by a host of factors, and understanding them can help individuals optimise their sleep habits for better overall health and well-being.
While the recommended sleep duration for adults is typically 7-9 hours, it's important to remember that these are just averages. Some people may feel rested with less sleep, while others may need significantly more. Understanding your personal sleep needs and adjusting your sleep habits accordingly can help ensure you're getting the optimal amount of sleep for your body and mind.
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Frequently asked questions
The amount of sleep a person needs is down to their genes.
Yes, scientists have found that our personal sleep requirements are down to our DNA.
Unfortunately, it seems that the amount of sleep you need is out of your control. However, you can try to improve your sleep quality by making sure your bedroom is dark, quiet and a comfortable temperature.
