Short sleep

# What is short sleep? Short sleepers, also known as sleep patterns with significantly shortened sleep duration, are people who regularly sleep less than the recommended seven to eight hours per night but still feel refreshed and rested. While most people experience negative effects such as fatigue or difficulty concentrating when they sleep less for long periods of time, there is a small group of people who are genetically able to get by on less sleep without their cognitive performance suffering. This phenomenon is increasingly being studied scientifically, particularly in connection with the discovery of specific genetic variations that influence the need for sleep. People with this genetic predisposition show a remarkable ability to organize their sleep cycle more efficiently, so that they need less sleep to achieve the same restorative effects as people who sleep longer. # Differences in sleep patterns Short sleep is not only characterized by a shortened sleep duration, but also by differences in sleep patterns. It has been observed that short sleepers enter deep sleep more quickly and are more efficient in the regenerative sleep phases. This compensates for the shorter overall sleep duration. It is assumed that this ability to optimize the sleep process enables them to complete the necessary recovery processes in less time. These adaptations in sleep behavior are of central importance, as they enable those affected to function without impairment during the waking phase despite the shortened sleep duration. > ## Good to know > Only less than 1% of the population has the ability and genetic predisposition to short sleep. # Effects on everyday life For those affected, the shortened sleep duration means a potential advantage in everyday life, as they have more waking hours available without experiencing the negative effects of sleep deprivation that often occur in other people. This could lead to higher productivity and better task accomplishment as more time is available for activities. These people do not require additional recovery periods during the day and often show greater resilience to stress and other pressures that are typically exacerbated by lack of sleep. # Coping strategies The ability to get by on less sleep also has social implications. Short sleepers often adapt better to the demands of a hectic lifestyle and may have fewer health problems associated with chronic sleep deprivation. Nevertheless, the question arises as to how this adaptation to a modern lifestyle affects health and well-being in the long term. While short sleepers may have an advantage over normal sleepers, it remains important to recognize and respect individual sleep needs to avoid long-term negative effects. # What do genetics have to do with it? The DEC2 gene, also known as the BHLHE41 gene, plays an important role in regulating the sleep-wake cycle, and changes in this gene can significantly affect sleep duration. Individuals with the SNP rs121912617 have a mutation in the DEC2 gene that leads to a shortened sleep duration. This gene variant alters the function of the DEC2 protein, which normally acts as a transcriptional repressor and is involved in the regulation of sleep and wakefulness. The mutation leads to an increased efficiency of the sleep process, so that those affected manage with significantly less sleep than the general population, without this having a negative impact on their cognitive performance or well-being. Research suggests that this mutation is also associated with altered expression of the neuropeptide orexin, which promotes wakefulness. This genetic change could explain why people with the DEC2 mutation not only have shorter sleep cycles, but also increased alertness and energy during the day. Despite its rarity, this genetic variation provides valuable insights into the genetic basis of sleep.