What defines a "short sleeper"?

A "short sleeper" is defined as someone who gets less than 6 hours of sleep per night on a regular basis. This definition is based on sleep research that identifies short sleepers as individuals who function well on minimal sleep without experiencing the negative effects that typically arise from sleep deprivation. These individuals can exhibit normal cognitive function and mood despite their reduced sleep duration.

In contrast, the other sleep duration indicators, such as 7 or 8 hours of sleep, align with general sleep recommendations for healthy adults, which typically range from 7 to 9 hours per night. Therefore, those who consistently achieve these longer sleep durations would not be classified as short sleepers, as they are achieving adequate rest according to the majority of sleep guidelines.