Can You Sleep Less and Still Feel Energized

How can some people feel completely rested with just 4 hours of sleep? The secret might be hidden in their DNA. In this episode of Genes in Action, Alex Dainis explores the fascinating biology of “short sleepers” — individuals with rare genetic variants that allow them to thrive on much less sleep than the average adult.

While most adults need about 7–8 hours of sleep to function well, some people feel totally refreshed on less than six — sometimes as few as four hours. Scientists have traced this ability to mutations in genes like DEC2, first discovered in a family of naturally short sleepers.

These mutations can increase the production of orexin, a protein that helps regulate wakefulness and alertness. Some variants may also affect noradrenaline receptors in the brain — further enhancing their ability to stay awake and energized.

What does this mean? For a rare few, their genetic blueprint makes them biologically wired to wake up early, stay productive, and skip the groggy mornings — without any coffee needed.