Understanding Short Sleeper Syndrome

Experts often categorize individuals with this syndrome as "habitual short sleepers" (HSS) or "natural short sleepers" (NSS), according to Dr. Paula G. Williams, an associate professor in psychology at the University of Utah. While around 30% of Americans report occasional short sleep, many do not meet the clinical criteria for short sleeper syndrome, as they do not feel rejuvenated afterward.

The hallmark of short sleeper syndrome is a consistent sleep duration of six hours or less, coupled with high daytime functionality. Dr. Williams notes that those who can remain active without feeling tired typically exhibit traits like hypomania and impulsivity, allowing them to combat sleepiness.

In contrast, individuals with insomnia experience heightened anxiety and dissatisfaction regarding their sleep quality, which sets them apart from short sleepers.

Diagnosis

Many individuals with short sleeper syndrome may not pursue medical evaluation, as they usually do not face negative health consequences, as stated by Dr. Lynelle Schneeberg, a Yale School of Medicine assistant professor. However, those consistently sleeping six hours or less should consult a healthcare professional to rule out sleep disorders like insomnia or sleep apnea.

When diagnosing this syndrome, doctors look for specific patterns in behavior: - The individual has maintained this sleep pattern for most of their life, regardless of weekdays or weekends. - They do not rely on sleep aids and naturally fall asleep around the same time each night. - They typically wake up feeling refreshed without significant interruptions in sleep.

For those experiencing irregular sleep patterns, a “sleep checkup” may be beneficial. This could involve tracking sleep through various methods, including apps or sleep logs. After monitoring patterns for two weeks, doctors may conduct tests such as electroencephalograms (EEG) to assess brain activity and heart function.

Causes

The exact causes of short sleeper syndrome remain largely unknown, although research suggests a genetic component. Dr. Ying-Hui Fu, a leading expert in the field, has been investigating this condition for nearly 25 years and has identified several “short sleep” genes.

DEC2 In 2009, Dr. Fu's team discovered a mutation in the DEC2 gene, which influences circadian rhythms. This finding stemmed from DNA analysis of families involved in sleep studies, revealing that a mother and daughter with this mutation averaged around 6.25 hours of sleep per night yet felt well-rested.

ADRB1 Ten years later, researchers identified another short sleep gene, ADRB1, in a family with three generations displaying symptoms of the syndrome. Testing confirmed that this gene variant promotes natural short sleep.

NPSR1 In October 2019, a third gene, NPSR1, was linked to short sleep when a father and son were found to possess a mutation while participating in whole exome sequencing.

Treatment

Since individuals with short sleeper syndrome do not suffer from impaired daytime functioning, conventional treatments are not typically necessary. Dr. Schneeberg affirms that if a person genuinely qualifies as a short sleeper, they should embrace it as a fortunate trait.

However, Dr. Jerry Siegel emphasizes the importance of differentiating between true short sleepers and those experiencing sleep deprivation due to disorders like insomnia. For those in need of treatment, behavioral approaches are recommended, including maintaining consistent sleep and wake times and avoiding stimulants before bed.

Long-term Health Effects

Although short sleepers might not experience the adverse effects commonly associated with insufficient sleep, such as anxiety or obesity, researchers caution against assuming that sleeping only four to six hours is completely benign. There is ongoing investigation into potential long-term health implications, particularly regarding cardiovascular risks.

Dr. Williams notes that despite short sleepers feeling well, there is no definitive evidence that they are immune to the health consequences of inadequate sleep. Preliminary studies suggest a correlation between short sleep patterns and increased risk of heart disease.

Insider’s Takeaway

Dr. Williams advocates for further research into the functioning of short sleepers, emphasizing that while they may feel fine, the overall implications of their sleep patterns warrant closer examination.

This article was medically reviewed by Dr. Alex Dimitriu, psychiatrist and founder of Menlo Park Psychiatry and Sleep Medicine.

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