A rare genetic mutation lets some people function on just 4 hours of sleep each night.
Researchers have discovered a rare mutation in the SIK3 gene that enables a select group of people—often called “natural short sleepers”—to thrive on only four to six hours of sleep per night without any cognitive or health drawbacks.
Unlike most individuals who skimp on sleep and suffer the consequences, these people complete all critical brain maintenance and restoration processes in far less time, waking up fully refreshed and sharp.
The SIK3 variant is the latest addition to a small family of known short-sleep genes (including DEC2 and ADRB1), revealing how certain genetic changes can dramatically compress the time needed for high-quality rest while preserving its benefits.
These findings challenge the widespread assumption that everyone requires eight hours of sleep and highlight the profound role genetics plays in sleep needs.
Beyond explaining natural variation, the discovery raises exciting possibilities: future treatments could mimic this efficient sleep phenotype to help millions who battle insomnia, chronic fatigue, or demanding schedules that leave little room for conventional rest.
[H. Chen, Y. Xing, C. Wan, Z. Zhang, Z. Shi, Y. Liang, C. Jin, Y. Chen, X. Zhou, J. Xu, L.J. Ptáček, Y. Fu, & G. Shi, "The SIK3-N783Y mutation is associated with the human natural short sleep trait", Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U.S.A. 122 (19) e2500356122]