Herbie Murray
Why do some people need a lot of sleep? It's a question many of us have asked, whether we're short sleepers, long sleepers, or somewhere in the middle. Research suggests genetics may play a role, with some people predisposed to require more sleep than others. Adolescents, for example, are generally prone to sleep longer and have a harder time waking up. But there are other factors at play, too, such as sleep disorders like hypersomnia, or sleep drunkenness, which can result in a late start to your day.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Genetics | Some people are predisposed to require more sleep |
| Age | Adolescents tend to sleep longer and find it harder to wake up |
| Sleep disorders | Hypersomnia, or "sleep drunkenness", can cause people to sleep more |
| Sleep habits | People who sleep less one night may try to make up for it with a long snooze later |
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Genetics
Sleep is related to many behavioural, environmental, and genetic factors. Scientists have found that our personal sleep requirements may be down to our genes.
Some people can function perfectly well on just a few hours of sleep, while others need a good 10 hours or more each day to remain chipper. For example, Donald Trump claims that he only needs 3–4 hours in bed each night. These differences are well-documented, but until recently, very little was known about why such variation exists.
In 2009, Dr Ying-Hui Fu and Dr Louis Ptáček at the University of California, San Francisco, identified a gene mutation that significantly decreased how many hours someone needs to sleep. The gene mutation increases wakefulness and keeps memory intact. The research was supported in part by NIH’s National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS).
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Sleep disorders
Genetics may also play a role in why some people need more sleep. Some people are just predisposed to require more sleep, and there is not much that can be done about this. However, regularity of bedtime and rise time can help. Adolescents are also generally prone to sleep longer and have a harder time waking up due to a lengthening of their inner circadian clocks.
Sleeping in on the weekend is normal, but regularly sleeping for 10 or more hours may be a sign of something serious.
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Circadian clocks
Research suggests that genetics may play a significant role in determining how much sleep we need. Some people are simply predisposed to requiring more sleep, and this is not something that can be easily changed. Adolescents, for example, tend to sleep longer and have a harder time waking up due to a lengthening of their inner circadian clocks.
Our circadian clocks are also influenced by our age. As we get older, our sleep patterns may change, and we may find that we need more or less sleep than we did when we were younger. Additionally, our habits can impact our circadian clocks. Maintaining a regular bedtime and wake-up time can help to regulate our sleep patterns and ensure that we are getting the amount of sleep we need.
While our genetics may play a role in determining our sleep needs, it is important to remember that other factors, such as our age and habits, can also influence our circadian clocks. By understanding how these clocks work and what factors influence them, we can take steps to ensure that we are getting the optimal amount of sleep for our individual needs.
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Sleep as a 'fund'
Sleep is often viewed as a fund, with people trying to sleep less one night and then make up for it with a long snooze later. However, this is not always the case, as some people are predisposed to require more sleep due to genetics. Adolescents, for example, are generally prone to sleeping longer and finding it harder to wake up. This is believed to be associated with a lengthening of their inner circadian clocks.
Some people may also need more sleep due to sleep disorders, such as hypersomnia, which results in a late start to the day and can cause disorientation. Sleeping for extended periods regularly, such as 10 or more hours, may also be an indication of something serious.
On the other hand, some people can get by on significantly less sleep, while others fall somewhere in the middle. The amount of sleep a person needs can vary due to various factors, including genetics, age, and health conditions.
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Regularity of bedtime
Research suggests that genetics may play a role in why some people need more sleep than others. However, there are other factors that we can control, such as the regularity of our bedtime and rise time. Maintaining a consistent sleep schedule is important for getting the amount of sleep that our bodies need. This means going to bed and waking up at the same time every day, even on weekends.
Our bodies have an internal circadian clock that regulates our sleep-wake cycle. This clock is influenced by factors such as light exposure and our daily routines. When we maintain a regular sleep schedule, our bodies can anticipate when it's time to sleep and when it's time to wake up. This helps us fall asleep more easily and wake up feeling more refreshed.
Adolescents, in particular, tend to need more sleep and may have a harder time waking up in the morning. This is believed to be associated with a lengthening of their inner circadian clocks. However, habits also play a role in their sleep patterns. Encouraging adolescents to maintain a regular bedtime and rise time can help improve their sleep habits and overall well-being.
For those who regularly sleep for 10 or more hours and still feel exhausted, it's important to consider the possibility of a sleep disorder. Hypersomnia, or "sleep drunkenness", is one example of a disorder that can cause excessive sleepiness and disorientation. If you're concerned about your sleep habits, it's best to consult a healthcare professional for advice and guidance.
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Frequently asked questions
Research suggests genetics may play a role in why some people need more sleep. Adolescents are also generally prone to sleep longer and have a harder time waking up.
Yes, regularly sleeping for 10 or more hours may be an indication of something serious.
Yes, some people may have a sleep disorder, such as hypersomnia, which results in a late start to the day.
