Sleep is an important part of our daily activity, without which an individual will not function physically and mentally ability-wise to full capacity. However, people's needs for daily sleep differ. Although the average daily sleep requirement is considered to be somewhere between 7 to 9 hours by most adults, there exists a small minority who function adequately on far much less. These are often called "short sleepers," and they may develop a condition termed Short Sleeper Syndrome. In this detailed article, we will take a look at the symptoms, causes, treatments, and other important answers related to the Short Sleeper Syndrome an intriguing condition.
What is Short Sleeper Syndrome?
Short Sleeper Syndrome is the ability to function well with small amounts of sleep—usually four to six hours of sleep per night. The short sleepers who sleep only two to four hours due to lifestyle repulsions are different in the way that they do not feel tired at all and are healthy despite sleeping less compared to others. Conversely, they wake up refreshed and remain energetic throughout the day.
Short Sleeper Syndrome Symptoms
Short Sleeper Syndrome differs in nature from normal insomnias and hypersomnias in that it does not have the regular consequences of sleep deprivation. Symptoms of SSS can be understood by analyzing how short sleepers manage their sleep.
1. Low Sleep Need
Probably the most defining symptom of Short Sleeper Syndrome is that only 4-6 hours of sleep are required per night. Despite this low sleep duration, people with SSS wake up feeling fully rested and do not feel the need to sleep more to get through the day.
2. High Energy Levels
High energy levels are common in short sleepers. They can remain productive, focused, and alert all day long without the dullness or lethargy that is usually an accompaniment of sleep deprivation.
3. No Daytime Sleepiness
Unlike those who suffer from sleep deprivation, the subjects with SSS are not channeled into experiencing greater levels of daytime sleepiness. They do not go through a compelling need for daytime napping or stay awake for long hours. They are thus more active and more alert about the majority of their daily life activities.
4. Mood Remains Stable
No mood swings with irritability and large emotional variability make short sleepers very stable in terms of moody conditions. Short sleepers are often balanced in their emotions and normally very alert, with high mental activity.
5. High Productivity
The extra time awake gives short sleepers plenty of opportunity to engage in a variety of things. Many SSS individuals bear high productivity, through which the gained time is spent on hobbies, personal projects, or other things and interests. This increased productivity can lead to a sense of accomplishment and well-being.
Causes of Short Sleeper Syndrome
Even if the exact etiology of Short Sleeper Syndrome is not known yet, some studies have been done to provide descriptions of possible causes. While other sleeping disorders seem to be influenced by lifestyle or health conditions, Short Sleeper Syndrome is not usually connected to such. Instead, it is believed to have a strong genetic component.
1. Genetic Factors
Mutations in several genes have been cited as one of the
major reasons for Short Sleeper Syndrome. The DEC2, genes encoding proteins
have mutations that appear to be associated with sleeping less. Mutations in
genes disrupt the normal cycle that entails sleeping and being awake in the human
body; however, in short, sleepers, have the potential to work perfectly under
less sleep.
An example of such a gene would be the DEC2 gene, related to the control of circadian rhythms: an internal clock that determines sleep-wake patterns. Changes or mutations in the gene can mean that an affected person's sleep needs can be less, and they will feel well-rested in less sleep.
2. Circadian Rhythm
The body's circadian rhythm regulates the sleep-wake cycle,
dictating a person's feeling of tiredness or wakefulness. In such a condition,
the short sleeper seems to have a circadian rhythm that is biologically
predestined to have limited or less time spent in regular sleep. This leads to
short sleep cycles and, correspondingly, a lowered need for recuperative sleep.
The exact reasons behind this alteration in circadian rhythm are yet to be fully understood. However, it is already accepted that short sleepers do have a different internal clock compared to most other people in the world.
View More: What Physical Side Effects You Can Face Due to Oversleeping
Treatments for Short Sleeper Syndrome
Since Short Sleeper Syndrome is not classified as a disorder, there is no general medical treatment for the same. Nevertheless, certain considerations and lifestyle practices are necessary for short sleepers to keep their overall health in check and continue with proper sleep patterns.
1. No Specific Treatment Endorsed
Short Sleeper Syndrome is considered not to be a sleep disorder because no adverse effects are placed on the human body or their day-to-day life. Therefore, there is no particular treatment to be given to individuals with SSS. Short sleepers naturally adjust themselves to the time they sleep and effortlessly live an active and healthy life.
2. Sleep Hygiene
Even though short sleepers require less sleep, maintaining
good sleep hygiene is essential for ensuring the quality of the sleep they get.
This includes establishing a regular sleep schedule, creating a comfortable
sleep environment, and avoiding stimulants like caffeine before bedtime.
Good sleep hygiene practices can help short sleepers maximize the restorative benefits of their limited sleep and prevent any potential disruptions to their sleep patterns.
3. Monitoring Health
Short Sleeper Syndrome is not harmful, and an individual will be generally urged to just chronicle or write down a realistic account of their sleep history. Importantly, however, a short sleeper should monitor his or her health to ensure the reduction in total sleep time does not come from an underlying sleep disorder like insomnia or sleep apnea. Short sleepers should maintain regular check-ups with their healthcare provider to rule out any potential health problems and ensure that their sleep pattern is truly characteristic of SSS.
4. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
In extremely rare cases of distress or anxiety from short
sleep patterns, cognitive behavioral therapy may be prescribed. It would help a
person deal with stress or anxiety, if any, due to sleep patterns and learn
healthy coping mechanisms.
While most short sleepers do not require any treatment, CBT can be offered as a resource to an individual who is worried about their strange sleep habits or for short sleepers who are stressed out over their hours of sleep deprivation.
Conclusion
It is a very intriguing and bizarre occurrence that leaves one puzzled about how it would be practically possible, given the average amount of sleep recorded in scientific studies and medical recommendations. While the rest of us need 7 to 9 hours of sleep each night to function at peak performance, short sleepers negotiate substantially less sleep without ill consequences upon health. A strong genetic influence and a very distinct circadian rhythm allow short sleepers to keep their energy, high productivity, and well-being even on such a minimal sleep duration of 4 to 6 hours a night.
