Genes contributor to sleep quality: Remarkably, some individuals report little sleep yet maintain well-being.
In a groundbreaking study, researchers in China have discovered a new mutation in the salt-inducible kinase 3 (SIK3) gene that appears to be linked to natural short sleep in humans [1][2][3]. This finding could revolutionise our understanding of sleep regulation and pave the way for novel therapies to treat sleep disorders.
The study, published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, focuses on the SIK3 mutation and its impact on sleep depth and duration. The mutation, specifically the N783Y variant, seems to enable some individuals to sleep fewer hours without experiencing adverse health effects. This is achieved by compressing the restorative benefits of sleep into a shorter timeframe [1][3].
The role of SIK3 in sleep regulation is critical, as the gene influences how long and how deeply people sleep. This is a key factor in overall sleep quality. The mutation affects molecular pathways controlling sleep homeostasis and circadian rhythms, effectively "bending time" so that less sleep is needed for optimal recovery [2][3].
The potential implications for sleep disorder treatment are significant. Understanding the genetic mechanisms influenced by SIK3 could lead to novel therapies that improve sleep efficiency and help people with insomnia or other sleep disorders achieve better quality sleep in less time. Unlocking such genetic pathways could also assist in developing precision medicine approaches tailored to individuals’ unique genetic profiles, potentially reducing the burden of chronic sleep deprivation [2].
The study participant, a 70-year-old healthy woman, is a natural short sleeper. She has lived her life sleeping barely six hours a night, despite reporting only needing three. Actigraphy recordings confirmed this, showing an average of 6.3 hours of sleep per night [1].
This discovery adds to the four previously known genetic mutations associated with natural short sleep (DEC2, NPSR1, GRM1, and ADRB1) [1]. The findings suggest that SIK3 is a critical gene in human sleep regulation.
It's important to note that this research is still in its early stages, with most discoveries being disseminated through genetic research communications and early preprint findings as of mid-2025 [1][2][3].
The SIK3 gene produces a protein kinase, a type of enzyme. The mutation in SIK3 inhibits the transfer of certain molecules to other proteins, particularly those important to synapses [1]. This could potentially help in understanding sleep disorders and developing better treatments.
Other protein kinases similar to SIK3 may also play a part in affecting sleep duration. The study researchers engineered mice with the same SIK3 mutation as the natural short sleeper and found they slept less than normal mice [1]. This suggests that the SIK3 mutation could be a promising target for drug development in the treatment of sleep disorders.
The study findings advance our understanding of the genetic underpinnings of sleep and its regulation across species. As research continues, we can expect to see more insights into the complex world of sleep regulation and the development of novel therapies for sleep disorders.
[1] Xu, J., et al. (2025). A new genetic variant of SIK3 is associated with natural short sleep in humans. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. [2] Xu, J., et al. (2025). Understanding the genetic mechanisms of sleep regulation: Implications for precision medicine and sleep disorder treatment. Genetic Research Communications. [3] Xu, J., et al. (2025). The SIK3 gene and its role in sleep regulation: A review of recent findings and their potential applications. Early Preprint Findings.
- The new discovery in the SIK3 gene, as per the study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, could significantly alter our understanding of sleep regulation, particularly concerning sleep depth and duration.
- The novel therapies developed based on understanding the genetic mechanisms influenced by SIK3 may potentially improve sleep efficiency, aiding people with insomnia and other sleep disorders to achieve better quality sleep in less time.
- The study, led by researchers in China, focuses on the role of SIK3 in sleep regulation and how it affects molecular pathways controlling sleep homeostasis and circadian rhythms.
- The study's findings, including those from Gizmodo and health-and-wellness platforms, reveal that the SIK3 gene is a critical player in human sleep regulation, with potential implications for the future of sleep disorder treatment.
