Why Some People Sleep More Efficiently Than Others + Why It Matters

The general guidelines for sleep suggest we all ought to get around eight hours per night, but according to a new study published in the journal iScience1, this isn't always the case. Here's what the researchers found, plus what it means for sleep hygiene going forward.

For this study, a team of neurology researchers from the University of California, San Francisco, wanted to build upon existing research on Familial Natural Short Sleep (FNSS). Previous research on this phenomenon indicated that some people naturally function just fine on only four to six hours of sleep—while others, of course, do not.

Since we've long known that high-quality sleep can support overall well-being, the researchers looked into the long-term brain health of mice with FNSS.

As neurologist and co-senior author of the study Louis Ptacek, M.D., notes in a news release, "Our work to date confirms that the amount of sleep people need differs based on genetics," noting, "Think of it as analogous to height. There's no perfect amount of height; each person is different."

Those with FNSS may have won the genetic lottery when it comes to efficient sleep. But if you're someone who needs the more standard seven-plus hours of sleep a night, you're certainly in good company. Here are some tips to help you maximize every moment of it.