The Secret of Natural Short Sleepers: A Rare Genetic Mutation

Summary

In this article, we explore the world of natural short sleepers, individuals who only need four to five hours of sleep per night due to a rare genetic mutation. We discuss the two types of short sleepers, the genes associated with natural short sleeping, and how researchers identify natural short sleepers. We also examine the benefits and potential drawbacks of being a short sleeper and whether CRISPR technology could be used to manipulate DNA to become a short sleeper.

The Two Types of Short Sleepers
The Genes Associated with Natural Short Sleeping
Identifying Natural Short Sleepers
The Benefits and Potential Drawbacks of Being a Short Sleeper
CRISPR and the Future of Short Sleeping
Conclusion

The Two Types of Short Sleepers

There are two types of short sleepers: habitual short sleepers and natural short sleepers. Habitual short sleepers are individuals who choose to sleep less than the recommended eight hours per night. Natural short sleepers, on the other hand, have a rare genetic mutation that allows them to function well on just four to five hours of sleep per night without experiencing any major health problems.

The Genes Associated with Natural Short Sleeping

Researchers have discovered three genes associated with natural short sleeping, but their functions and how they regulate sleep homeostasis are still unknown. These genes are DEC2, ADRB1, and NPSR1. DEC2 is a gene that regulates the circadian rhythm, while ADRB1 and NPSR1 are involved in the regulation of neurotransmitters that affect sleep.

Identifying Natural Short Sleepers

Researchers identify natural short sleepers by recruiting families and sequencing their DNA to look for differences between them and normal sleepers. Natural short sleepers are rare, with only one in several thousand people having the mutation. Simei Cho is a natural short sleeper, but her mutation has not been identified yet.

The Benefits and Potential Drawbacks of Being a Short Sleeper

Although it is not certain whether there are any negative consequences to sleeping less, short sleepers are generally more optimistic, energetic, and have a higher pain threshold. They also have better memory and are good multitaskers. However, there are concerns that short sleepers may be at a higher risk for certain health problems, such as obesity and diabetes.

CRISPR and the Future of Short Sleeping

It is uncertain whether CRISPR technology could be used to change an individual’s DNA to become a short sleeper. However, there may be other ways to regulate sleep pathways to increase efficiency. Researchers are currently studying the genes associated with natural short sleeping to better understand how they work and how they can be manipulated.

Conclusion

In conclusion, natural short sleeping is a rare and fascinating phenomenon that is still not fully understood. While there are potential benefits to being a short sleeper, it is important to get a full eight hours of sleep whenever possible. As research continues, we may learn more about how to regulate sleep pathways and improve the efficiency of our sleep.