Why do some people need less sleep than others?
Quick Answer
Sleep needs vary because of genetics, age, health, and lifestyle. A small group of people carry rare gene variants that let them function well on much less sleep than average.
The Full Story
Most adults need around 7 to 9 hours of sleep per night, but individual needs differ. Age is a major factor, since children and teens usually need more sleep than adults. Scientists have also identified rare genetic variants that are associated with natural short sleep, such as changes in genes including DEC2 and others studied in sleep research. These variants are uncommon, so most people who sleep too little are not natural short sleepers and may simply be sleep-deprived.
Key Facts
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"Why a few people thrive on very little sleep"
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