Nick Norwitz argues a drug mimicking the genetics of natural short sleepers could dwarf Ozempic's impact. About 1% of people, including Leonardo da Vinci and Napoleon, need only 4-5 hours of sleep nightly. Researchers have identified genes like DEC2 and NPSR1 linked to this trait and are working to replicate them pharmacologically, potentially freeing 25-30 years of life per person.
Is the next Ozempic a sleep drug? Over the average lifespan, you'll spend roughly 25 to 30 years asleep. It's a tax on consciousness we all pay, except there are rare individuals known as natural short sleepers who only need 4 to 5 hours of sleep per night. Think Leonardo da Vinci, Napoleon, Nikola Tesla. These people, who make up less than 1% of the population, don't just operate better sleep deprived, their bodies appear to need less sleep. It's like we are all taking 8 hours to fully charge our brains, and they can do it in 4. And now scientists are decoding their unique genetics, genes like DEC2 and NPSR1, and seeing if they can replicate it. If they did, if they gave that ability to all of us, it will be bigger than Ozempic ever was.
