I’ve never needed much sleep to feel refreshed. While most of my friends groan without their full 8 hours and reach for coffee before conversations, I’ve always felt perfectly fine—sometimes even better—after just four or five hours of shut-eye.

For years, I had thought that I was merely the "odd one out," a person with an offbeat sleeping pattern always harming my body maybe but now it appears, there could be a genetic explanation for why individuals like myself are programmed this way. Scientists found a rare gene mutation in a gene known as SIK3 that enables some of us to function just fine on less sleep. No drowsiness. No foggy brain. No side effects.

If you’ve ever wondered why some people seem superhuman on minimal sleep, or secretly hoped there was a way to train your body to do the same, this discovery might just hold the answers. Let’s explore what makes natural short sleepers tick—and whether this sleep “superpower” is something the rest of us can unlock too.

For years, sleep specialists have repeated the same mantra: adults require a minimum of 7 to 9 hours of quality sleep each night to maintain mental acuity, immune function, and cardiovascular health. Long-term sleep deprivation has long been associated with higher risks of obesity, Alzheimer's disease, high blood pressure, and even premature death. But what if some people are genetically predisposed to perform best on only four hours of sleep?

Recent scientific studies have put this astounding phenomenon under the limelight with a stunning finding: an exceptional gene mutation, SIK3-N783Y, that makes some individuals what scientists have coined as natural short sleepers.

Who Are These Super Sleepers?

A natural short sleeper (NSS) is one who sleeps four to six hours every night but wakes up feeling refreshed and ready to go—without the help of coffee or the typical symptoms of sleep deprivation. They are not sleep-deprived; their bodies simply need less sleep than others.

This fascinating sleep pattern has puzzled scientists for decades, but thanks to a recent study by researchers from the Chinese Academy of Sciences, the enigma is starting to lift. Their results, which were published in a peer-reviewed journal, indicate a rare gene mutation in the salt-induced kinase 3 (SIK3) gene.

Can You Really Survive—and Thrive on Just 4 Hours of Sleep?

The scientists discovered that the N783Y mutation in the SIK3 gene alters the SIK3 protein structure. This alteration affects the protein's function to transfer phosphate molecules, an essential component of the chemical signaling that governs our internal sleep-wake cycles.

In order to better analyze this effect, researchers created genetically modified mice that had the same mutation. Such mice slept around 30 minutes less per night than regular mice, and even less when deprived of sleep. Surprisingly, these differences weren't associated with the amount of proteins in the brain—but rather, with the way the proteins worked.

Furthermore, mutant mice had higher delta wave activity on EEG readings—a sign of deep, restorative sleep. This reinforces the theory that the mutation doesn't merely cut short sleep, it makes it more effective.

This is not the first time that scientists have associated genetics with sleep duration. Several years back, one mother and daughter who claimed to require just six hours of sleep at night without ever getting tired were discovered to carry a mutation in a gene linked with the circadian clock, our internal sleep- timing mechanism.

So far, scientists have discovered at least five mutations in four genes that affect sleep duration. But the newly found SIK3 mutation is particularly intriguing because it directly affects biochemical pathways that can now be targeted in the future development of drugs.

How Does this Gene Affect Sleep Medicine?

The applications of this research are vast. By knowing what enables natural short sleepers to feel rested on less time, researchers can start working on the development of treatments to improve sleep quality—not by lengthening time, but by increasing the efficacy of the hours we do spend sleeping.

"This discovery deepens our knowledge of the genetic basis of sleep," researchers said, highlighting the mutation's promise in leading to precision sleep medicine—focused treatments that modify sleep regulation systems at the molecular level.

Natural Short Sleep vs. Sleep Deprivation

Natural short sleep is a genetically controlled, rare condition in which people perform best with only 4–6 hours of sleep. In contrast to sleep-deprived individuals, they rise feeling rested, with no hint of exhaustion or mental slowness. This is not about "toughing it out" on fewer z's—it's simply the way their bodies are biologically programmed to require less. Sleep deprivation has an impact on mood, memory, immunity, and cardiovascular health. Long-term sleep deprivation has been known to increase disease risks like Alzheimer's or cardiovascular disease. Thus, when natural short sleepers are prospering, the rest of us should not try to replicate their sleep.

Why Most People Still Need 7 to 9 Hours of Sleep?

Most people still require 7 to 9 hours of sleep because it maintains critical functions such as memory consolidation, emotion regulation, immune function, and cell repair. Sleep removes toxins from the brain and re-sets the body's biological clocks for the day ahead. Sleeping less than required on a regular basis can hamper concentration, decision-making, and metabolism and result in long-term dangers including obesity, cardiovascular disease, and dementia. Although a small group of people have a genetic mutation that enables them to survive on less sleep, the rest of us are not so hardwired and require sufficient sleep to maintain physical, mental, and emotional health.

Why You Shouldn't Deprive Yourself of Sleep?

Before you begin reducing your sleep time, it's important to observe, natural short sleep is different from sleep deprivation. The majority of us cannot just train ourselves to be short sleepers. For most people, trying to sleep just four hours a night results in cognitive impairments, memory loss, compromised immunity, and long-term health problems.

Rather than copying the sleep habits of the genetically fortunate few, experts advise taking efforts at sleep hygiene:

• Stick to a regular sleep schedule, even on weekends.
• Avoid caffeine and heavy meals in the evening.
• Make the sleeping environment cool, dark, and quiet.
• Limit screen use before bedtime.
• Deal with stress through meditation or journaling.

While the discovery of the SIK3-N783Y mutation may not mean much for your sleep schedule today, it opens exciting doors for future treatments and a deeper understanding of how our bodies regulate rest. It also highlights the fascinating diversity of human biology—some people are literally wired to need less sleep, and now, we’re beginning to understand why.

So, if you wake up feeling great on only a few hours of sleep each night, science may one day validate that you're one of a select, genetically privileged few. In the meantime, shoot for that 7-9 hour mark your body and mind will appreciate it.

Many of us like imagining unlikely scenarios before we go to bed and also experience weird dreams that do not make sense. However, did you know you can also experience hallucinations before going to bed? These are not simply made of scenes in your brain, but a very realistic scenario that many people experience.

The NHS UK explains that there are many types of hallucinations you may experience, there are ones where you hear sounds or voices, others could have objects or shapes that are not there. Others feel touch as well, like bugs crawling on their skin, smelling, tasting and feeling like they are moving. While some causes of hallucinations could be mental health conditions like schizophrenia or bipolar disorder, they could also be caused as a side effect to medications, change in vision or loss of it etc. However, sometimes hallucinations are also temporary, like when you have a migraine, high temperature or just about to wake up or fall asleep.

What Are These Hallucinations Called?

These pre-sleep hallucinations, called hypnagogic hallucinations, which happen just as you're falling asleep. They can feel so real that it's hard to tell them apart from what's actually happening. According to the Cleveland Clinic, a large majority of people, around 70% will experience these at least once. They can affect any of our five senses, and the experience varies from person to person.

Most people who experience these hallucinations (a large 86%) see things that aren't there. This could be clear images of people, or just colors, patterns, and flashing lights. Less common are feelings called somatic hallucinations, where you might sense a presence or feel like you're falling. Hearing things that aren't real is the least common, but it can be unsettling as you're trying to sleep. Rarely, people also report smelling things that aren't present.

Why Triggers These Hallucinations?

There's usually no single reason why someone has hypnagogic hallucinations, but certain conditions can make them more likely. Studies have linked them to narcolepsy (suddenly falling asleep) and cataplexy (sudden muscle weakness). A study also found a connection with schizophrenia.

Besides those, people with Parkinson's disease, insomnia, anxiety, or a history of drug and alcohol use might also have more of these hallucinations. Sometimes, though, they just happen for no clear reason – it's just our brain doing something a little unusual as we get ready to sleep.

Most of the time, hypnagogic hallucinations are nothing to worry about. However, if they happen a lot or become more frequent, it's a good idea to see your doctor to make sure they're not a sign of something more serious, like a problem with your nervous system. If you suddenly start having a lot of these hallucinations when you've never had them before, it could be your body signaling that something isn't right.

Can You Reduce Hallucinations and Visions?

If you've been checked out and know your hallucinations aren't serious, then it's about trying to manage them and make them happen less often. The best ways to do this are to avoid drugs and alcohol, stick to a regular sleep schedule, and make sure your bedroom is only for sleeping. This means keeping your phone out of the room. Make sure it's dark, the temperature is comfortable, and focus only on sleeping well. If you're feeling stressed before bed, try to relax and meditate to help calm your mind.

Cognitive decline is one of the most difficult things a person can go through. You slowly forget usual things, precious memories as well as your entire sense of being. Dementia, which is an umbrella term for progressive decline of cognitive function manifests itself in symptoms like decline in memories, thinking, reasoning etc. However, there are signs which can go unnoticed.

What Are The two overlook signs of dementia?

The two early signs that can easily go overlooked are changes in mood and behavior. These early shifts in mood and behavior can easily be mistaken for just getting older or feeling stressed. However, they are a clear indication of a much dangerous condition-Dementia.

Specifically, feeling down for a long time and increased worry are common early signs of this neurodegenerative condition. People might feel sad or anxious without a clear reason, and this can make it harder for them to do everyday things and interact with others.

According to the Alzheimer’s Society, as dementia gets more advanced, you might see more changes in how the person acts. It's important to remember that feeling down or anxious can have many causes.

Dementia's Impact on Personality and Habits

Dementia can also change how a person usually is and the things they like to do. They might not be able to do their favorite hobbies anymore without help, which can be frustrating. They might also start to feel very sad or lose interest in things which are signs of depression. These changes in their personality and what they can do can lead to changes in how they behave day to day. It's important to remember that these changes are part of how dementia affects the brain.

You might see the person doing the same thing over and over, like asking the same question. They might also follow you around a lot or constantly need to check on things. Sometimes, they might hide things, collect things, or lose things more easily.

They might also say or do things that seem out of character. Feeling restless or agitated is common, and sometimes this can even lead to aggressive behavior. Some people get more confused and upset in the late afternoon or evening, which is called "sundowning," and their sleep patterns might also change. They might also start to withdraw from social situations.

How Does Knowing These Early Signs Help?

Recognizing these subtle early signs is crucial because getting help early can lead to better ways to manage dementia. If you notice persistent sadness or anxiety in yourself or someone you know, especially if there are also memory problems or confusion, it's wise to consult a healthcare professional.

Trying to understand the reason why they may be experiencing these behavorial changes could help one support their loved ones better. Alzheimer’s Society explains that some reason include:

• Feeling frustrated or scared about the effects of dementia, like memory loss or trouble speaking.
• Issues with their overall mental and physical health.
• Problems with knowing where they are or what time it is, or not recognizing familiar places.
• How much and how good their interactions with other people are.
• Their physical surroundings, for example, a dark room might confuse and upset them because they can't see where they are.
• Feeling like they have no control, being frustrated with how others are acting, or feeling like they aren't being heard or understood.

While the general advice for people is to go to their doctors when they are feeling unwell, many end up feeling like their issues were not taken seriously. Whether it is the way their concerns were handled or the way the practitioner spoke to them, people end up feeling dejected, dismissing the trust people have in doctors.

According to a 2024 survey, two-fifths of patients leave their doctor’s appointments without being able to discuss all their concerns. So, how does one ensure their appointments do not go to waste. An NHS doctor, Dr. Karan Rajan or more popularly known as Dr. Raj on social media says that if this happens, there are three simple questions you should think about asking.

These questions can help make sure your doctor takes your concerns seriously and that you feel properly heard during your appointment. It's important to feel like your doctor understands what you're going through.

Essential Questions to Ask Your GP

Dr. Raj suggests three specific questions that you should ask your doctor if you feel like they are not taking your health concerns seriously.

The first question is, "What else could this be?" This helps your doctor think about other possible reasons for your symptoms.

The second question is, "Are there any tests we haven't done yet?" This makes sure all possible tests are considered.

The third question is, "Can you explain why you think this is normal for me?" This encourages your doctor to explain their reasoning.

Other Helpful Tips To Ensure Proper Care From Our End

Besides asking these important questions, Dr Raj also gives four other helpful tips to make sure your doctor properly listens to your health concerns. These tips are things you can do before, during, and after your appointment to help make sure you feel heard and that your health issues are taken seriously. These extra steps can make a big difference in how well your doctor understands what's happening with your health.

Keep a Detailed Symptom Diary

You must keep track of all your symptoms carefully. Note when they occur, their severity, what makes them better or worse, and how they impact your daily life. Share this record with your doctor. Use clear, specific language to describe your feelings, rather than vague terms like "tired."

Don't Hesitate to Ask for a Specialist Referral

If you feel your doctor isn't taking your concerns seriously, you have the right to request a specialist. These doctors have in-depth knowledge of specific health areas. Try politely asking for a referral if you'd feel more comfortable having a specialist's opinion, for example, for persistent muscle pain.

Bring a Supportive Friend or Family Member

Bringing someone you trust to your appointments, especially if you feel unheard. They can offer support, help ensure all your questions are asked, and aid in remembering what the doctor says. Their presence can also help if you feel your concerns are being dismissed.

Know Your Patient Rights and Seek Support

Knowing your rights as a patient, including the right to a second opinion and access to your medical records. Don't hesitate to use these rights. For complex or chronic conditions, consider connecting with patient advocacy groups or online communities for valuable advice and support from others with similar experiences.