Scientists have discovered a rare genetic variant that makes it possible for some people not to suffer the negative effects of sleep deprivation during the day with only four hours of sleep at night. The results of their study were published in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. 

Experts recommend sleeping about eight hours a night to maintain good physical and mental health. Lack of sleep can impair both physical and cognitive functioning. However, there is a small group of people who, thanks to unique genetic mutations, feel regenerated after just a few hours of sleep. 

Scientists identified one such alteration in the SIK3 gene in humans and then tested its effects on the body in laboratory mice. It turned out that rodents with this mutation also needed less sleep. 

This is just one of several known mutations that have been linked to shortened sleep. Scientists are still studying how these genes and their variants may affect sleep more broadly. This research may also help develop new strategies to treat sleep disorders and improve sleep quality. 

Source: dzienniknaukowy.co.uk, Nature, Science X Network, Science Alert