Why some people can thrive on less sleep – BBC REEL

Most human beings need eight hours of sleep per night to function and perform well, research has found.

However, new findings have also revealed that some people are genetically predisposed to thrive on less sleep. They are known as 'elite sleepers' or 'natural short sleepers', and studies have shown they are more likely to be healthier than the average person.

These 'elite sleepers' may be the key to unlocking sleep efficiency for all of us, and help research into neurological conditions such as Alzheimer's.

Video by: Next Stop Stories
Narrator & Executive Producer: Griesham Taan

- - - - -

#bbc #bbcreel #bbcnews

[DashingPartyCrasher]

I'll save you a few minutes of watching silly stock footage and summarize the video in one sentence. A small percentage of people stay energetic and supposedly healthy with less sleep, but we still don't know why their genetics make that possible.

[mastanvalishaik]

There is a category of people who don't sleep at all. We call them Bachelors.

[futurez]

*Scientists:* _Gene therapy for this will be great for health improvements._
*Governments:* _Productivity!_

[sajidumma]

8 hours of sleep is just rubbish - I feel well rested and energetic if I sleep less than 7 hrs of sleep but not less than 5. At the same time, I feel horrible if I oversleep!! meaning, if I sleep more than 7 I just feel so lousy and drowsy !!

[HairyKnees]

I’ve found that what counts for me is how much DEEP sleep I get, rather than the amount of overall sleep. I need over two hours of deep sleep, preferably 3, to feel energized and alert, even if my overall sleep was only 5 hours. Less than an hour of deep sleep (even if I slept a full 8 hours) and I’m groggy and make mistakes in driving and other areas. So, I’m trying to figure how to enhance my deep sleep.

[Chevelle]

I'm pretty much never tired no matter if I get 2 hours of sleep or 7. I also haven't used an alarm clock in over 10 years because I just automatically wake up around 6 even if I fell asleep at 4am, it's really nice having this lol. Didn't know this was a thing until I looked up why I'm never tired compared to most people

[natnr]

I only need 4-6 hrs of actual sleep and I don't feel tired/sleepy the next day. However, I need to lie in bed for several hours before actually falling asleep--so it works out to be the same. Bummer.

[CarlosRodriguez-ddsb]

Interesting story and scientific findings. The stock imagery and video - ugh, too much!

[vivalaJamie]

I have a sleep condition called idiopathic hypersomnia. I was sleeping 12 hours a day and still waking up exhausted. Im finally on medication that brings my energy levels up, but I never feel 100% rested. More like 70%, whereas before it was around 20%. Its a massive improvement, but I cant lie im rather jealous of the people that are short sleepers.

[bboyneon]

Ok, BBC didn't have good video bytes for this.

[Mo-ggfj]

what is this stock footage compilation?

[JZZE]

I'm one of them, I sleep from 4-6 hours at night and still function just fine.
I should say that I don't do it on purpose, I just watch TV or play video games and when I notice is already late 😁

[davlor]

From some time to now, I’ve only slept like 4-6 hours and feel incredibly fine, wake up refreshed and without the need of sleeping more, idk what It is it honestly, I used to sleep normally, I thought it was some sort of insomnia but it can’t be since i feel fine, my blood pressure and heart pulse are completely normal and even exercise later in the day with no problem at all

[brocknspectre]

I’ve always slept only 4 to 5 hours in any given 24. I find it totally natural, and in those few times that I’ve forced myself to sleep longer, I always feel groggy and horrible all day.

[soniaghezzi]

I think it is a matter of quality rather than quantity

[martiusdeoliveira]

For years I used to force myself to sleep the regular 8 hours a day and since I used to be a morning lark or had difficulty hitting the log early, I went on sleeping pills and was diagnosed with insomnia. That's when I really began to feel groggy throughout the day. Eventually, I tapered the meds and decided to make do with a 4-hour sleep routine. And it worked! I really am a short sleeper and I feel great sleeping just a few hours a day. Secret: My cat sleeps with me nestled in my chest every night.

[baewiz]

"Yea I've been sleeping for only 4hours for the past 6 years never needed any more" my 42yr looking 22yr friend

[dleivam]

I'm a heavy sleeper.. I can even sleep 10 or 11 hours and wake up feeling like sh**.

[LxcheeMusic]

I go to bed at earliest 11pm sometimes later and wake up around 5:30 fof school. I'm completely fine

[Angel-gbgi]

I wonder if these people that thrive on 4 to 6 hours of sleep are a little wild and crazy? I know of a person that only needs 4 hours of sleep and acts crazy sometimes like they are wound up and stir up trouble.