Are you a Light Sleeper But Function Normally? Here are 3 Signs You Might Share a Rare Genetic Trait (2 of 2)

2. Enhanced memory

Studies further show that between 90-95% of short sleep “geners” demonstrate better recall than people who need the standard 8 hours of shuteye. This actually benefits them in two ways: because they’re awake for more hours of the day, there are more memories for them to make, and down the road they’re more likely to remember them! They confirmed this research through testing lab mice. The mice were separated into two groups: those that were allowed to sleep in peace and those that were sleep-deprived. Scientists then put the mice in a chamber, and as they were getting themselves acquainted with their surroundings, they were zapped with an electrical current. The well-rested mice, traumatized by the shock, refused to move when they were returned to the chamber. The sleep-deprived group with the standard sleeping cycle had no recollection of being shocked, and so they exhibited no fear when they were returned. However, the sleep-deprived group that carried the mutated NPSR1 gene were still able to recall the shocks.

3. No need for caffeine

Let’s be honest—most of us need that caffeine fix to get us going in the morning. That magical cup of coffee has the ability to change us from lethargic zombies to fully functional humans. But if you’ve got the short sleep gene, you can’t really relate to this experience. This isn’t to say they don’t get enjoyment out of sipping their latte on their way to work, it’s just that they don’t need it!

It is believed that only about 1% of the world’s population are true short sleepers and have this mutated gene.

It is estimated that only around 1 in 4 million people have the short sleep gene, which is about the same odds as being killed by a falling tree, except that the consequences are far more pleasant. The only surefire way to know whether you’ve got the mutation or just happen to be accustomed to functioning on little sleep is by undergoing DNA testing, which isn’t exactly cheap. Nonetheless, if you have always managed to function fine on less than 6 hours of sleep (even as a child), are able to think clearly despite limited sleep, never need caffeine to perk up, and, in fact, feel like crap if you sleep beyond 6 hours, you may have just hit a jackpot. Or at least the equivalent of a $50,000 scratch-off ticket.