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How do you sleep? What unusual gene?
Some people are naturally short sleepers due to a mutation in the DEC2 gene. Every overachiever’s fantasy comes true: a gene mutation that enables them to function normally on four to six hours of sleep per night rather than the recommended eight. An investigation published today in Neuron found a link between increased wakefulness and less need for sleep and a newly discovered rare gene mutation called ADRB1. Researchers examined the DNA of several members of a family that sleeps significantly less than the average of 8 hours per night—6 hours—and still functions normally.The University of California, San Francisco researchers found that some people have a gene that makes it possible for them to function well with only six hours of sleep each night. But this gene is extremely uncommon—less than 3% of people have it. Six hours isn’t even close to being enough for the other 97% of us.The average person needs between seven and eight hours of sleep per night, and this need seems to follow a typical curve in the population. According to Fu, only 5% of the population can function normally on six hours of sleep.Short naps are a common pattern that starts in childhood or adolescence and lasts into adulthood. Researchers think a gene mutation may have caused it to develop. People may be able to function well on fewer than six hours of sleep each night because of this mutation.The Effects of Only 7 Hours of Sleep For the majority of adults, getting seven hours of sleep has no known adverse effects. But given that the minimum amount of sleep that is advised is seven hours, sleeping only this little does not leave much room for issues with falling or staying asleep.
What unusual gene causes you to sleep less?
The researchers looked for gene mutations that were exclusive to naturally short sleepers using whole exome genome sequencing. In the ADRB1 gene, which was passed down the family, they discovered a rare mutation. Those with one copy of this mutant gene in their family had shorter sleep cycles than their relatives. The group published their initial research in 2009: Short sleepers had a mutation in the DEC2 gene that made them awake for longer periods of time. Since then, the team has found two more genes that affect neurotransmitters in the human brain to cause short sleep, the ADRB1 mutation and the NPSR1 mutation.According to a study that was just published in Neuron, a recently discovered rare gene mutation called ADRB1 is associated with increased wakefulness and less need for sleep. Several family members who get by on significantly less sleep than the average person—6 hours—had their DNA examined by researchers.The short sleep gene seems to be uncommon. It may only be present in 3% of people, according to Fu’s estimate.The bad news is that there isn’t a genetic test for these mutations that is widely accessible. As a result, there is no surefire way to determine whether you are a short sleeper. You’re not getting the amount of sleep your body requires if you find yourself reaching for coffee or pleading for a nap, though.Some people can naturally sleep for shorter periods of time thanks to a mutation in the DEC2 gene. Every overachiever’s dream comes true when a gene mutation makes it possible for them to function normally on four to six hours of sleep per night rather than the recommended eight.
Who has the gene for five hours of sleep per night?
A 2009 study by Fu’s team revealed that individuals with a specific mutation in the gene DEC2 had an average sleep duration of only 6. According to Ptacek, an elite sleeper is a person who, after getting four to six and a half hours of sleep, consistently feels regenerated and alert. Additionally, it’s noteworthy that elite sleepers can function with such little sleep without suffering negative short- or long-term effects.An elite sleeper is someone who, for their entire life, has felt revived and energized after getting four to six and a half hours of sleep, according to Fu and Dr. Ptacek. Additionally, it’s noteworthy that elite sleepers can function with such little sleep without suffering negative short- or long-term effects.According to Fu, studies have shown that short sleepers typically have higher levels of optimism, energy, and multitasking prowess. Additionally, they have a higher threshold for pain, don’t experience jet lag, and some researchers think they might even live longer.
Does having less sleep run in the family?
More people who fit that pattern were sought after, including the Johnsons. The team published their initial research in 2009: Short sleepers had a mutation in the DEC2 gene that made them awake for longer periods of time. Some people have short sleep cycles naturally due to a mutation in the DEC2 gene. A gene mutation that enables one to function normally on four to six hours of sleep per night rather than the recommended eight is the stuff of every overachiever’s nightmare.Genetics Contrary to popular belief, less than 3% of the population can attribute their ease of falling asleep to genetics. To maintain a high level of cognitive function throughout the day, these people only need six hours of sleep per night.No single gene controls sleep. Sleep is a complex phenotype that includes a recurrent behavioral state, distinctive EEG changes, timing throughout the 24-hour clock, and responses to deprivation.According to associate professor Marie-Pierre St-Onge of Columbia University in New York City, Sleep is absolutely instrumental in cognitive function, mental acuity, and the ability to concentrate and learn new things.The DEC2 / BHLHE41 gene mutation and sleep duration Although most of us function best with 8 hours of sleep per night, some people can function just as well with 1 to 0. This indicates that individuals with the mutation sleep between 6 and 6 and a half hours on average.
How can you tell whether you carry the sleep gene?
Rare mutations in the naturally occurring short sleep gene exist. There is currently no widely used method of testing for it. It should be noted that regular short sleepers experience no negative effects. To learn more about your sleeping patterns, however, you should speak with your doctor. Researchers looked at a mother and daughter who only required about six hours of sleep per night. They discovered a rare mutation in the dec2 gene using blood samples. The gene is involved in the circadian timing mechanism of the body. Your sleep and wake cycles are controlled by this system.
Is it impossible to fall asleep because of a genetic condition?
A rare genetic brain disorder known as fatal familial insomnia (FFI) affects sleep patterns. It is characterized by an inability to fall asleep (insomnia), which may start out mild but gets progressively worse, causing serious physical and mental decline. There is a 50% chance that a child who has one parent with the genetic mutation will also inherit it. With only around 70 families, fatal familial insomnia is incredibly uncommon.