Gene Mutation Leads to Just Three Hours of Sleep a Night

Scientists have learned about several hundred people who sleep 3-6 hours a day. They studied their DNA and found a common mutation in the SIK3 gene: it has many functions - for example, it helps regulate protein localization. Possibly, this mutation shortens sleep duration by maintaining brain homeostasis. This partially supports the theory that sleep helps the brain reset. A group of scientists hopes that ongoing research will help understand how sleep regulation works in humans and aid in more effectively combating sleep disorders.