Written by: Ehsan Siddiqui
14 September 2025
We all have that one friend who binges shows till 3 am and somehow is fresh and ready to go, while you're battling the alarm snooze button and wake up with a headache. How do they do it?
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First, a critical distinction: A true short sleeper is a person who feels rested and alert after 3-4 hours of sleep. This differs from the majority, who are just sleep-deprived and rely on caffeine to get through weariness and headaches.
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Scientists found that a small number of people have unique genetic mutations, such as those in the DEC2 and ADRB1 genes. It enables individuals to work with less sleep without any negative effects on health.
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The DEC2 gene helps regulate a protein that governs our sleep-wake cycles. People with this mutation have a more effective internal clock, allowing them to complete the essential sleep cycles in less time.
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Sleep quality matters as much as quantity. The 'short sleeper' falls into deep and REM sleep faster and for longer periods of time, giving their minds and bodies optimal rest possible in fewer hours.
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Contrary to popular belief, you can not train your body to need less sleep. Trying to function on less sleep than your body requires leads to sleep debt, which causes burnout, exhaustion, and health problems.
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