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Familial Natural Short Sleep

Meaning

Familial Natural Short Sleep (FNSS) is a rare, genetically determined phenotype characterized by individuals who habitually and naturally sleep significantly less than the typical 7-9 hours per night, often requiring only 4-6 hours, without experiencing any adverse health consequences or daytime functional impairment. Unlike pathological sleep deprivation, this short sleep duration is intrinsically restorative, allowing individuals to maintain optimal cognitive performance and metabolic health. This condition underscores the biological variability in intrinsic sleep need and is typically inherited in an autosomal dominant pattern. It is a key area of study for understanding the genetic regulation of sleep homeostasis and longevity.