Research identifies genetic mutations that allow some individuals to thrive on as little as three hours of sleep. Scientists found that certain genetic changes in naturally short sleepers inform treatments for sleep disorders. Co-author Ying-Hui Fu highlights that these individuals perform essential bodily functions at a more efficient level. The research, which began in the 2000s with genome analysis of a mother-daughter pair, has led to identifying multiple genetic mutations related to reduced sleep needs in several hundred individuals.
"Our bodies continue to work when we go to bed, detoxifying themselves and repairing damage. These people can just perform at a higher level than we can."
"After analysing the genomes of a mother and daughter, the team identified a rare mutation in a gene that helps regulate our circadian rhythm."
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