Core Insights - A recent study by scientists at the University of California, San Francisco, has identified a gene mutation that may allow some individuals to require less sleep, potentially due to genetic factors rather than lifestyle choices [1][2] - The research began over 20 years ago when scientists analyzed the DNA of a mother-daughter pair who slept less than six hours a night, leading to the discovery of a rare gene mutation that regulates circadian rhythms [1] - The latest findings highlight a specific mutation in the salt-inducible kinase 3 (SIK3) gene, which affects neuronal signaling in the brain and is linked to reduced sleep duration [2] Gene Mutation Findings - The SIK3 gene mutation, specifically the N783Y point mutation, was confirmed through DNA analysis and subsequent experiments on mice, which showed a reduction in sleep time by approximately 31 minutes compared to normal mice [2] - This mutation is most active at synapses in the brain, suggesting that it may enable the body to enter a "nighttime maintenance mode," allowing for efficient cellular repair and hormone replenishment without the need for extended sleep [2] - Ongoing research aims to uncover how these genetic variations influence sleep regulation, potentially leading to a better understanding of sleep mechanisms in individuals with naturally shorter sleep durations [2]