Sleep is essential for brain health and functioning. But do geniuses need less sleep than the average person? Or does their brilliance come at the cost of sufficient shuteye? Let’s take a look at the research on sleep and intelligence to find out if there’s a link between being a genius and skimping on sleep.
Do highly intelligent people need less sleep?
Some research suggests that people with high IQs may get by on slightly less sleep than the average person. A 2009 study published in the journal Personality and Individual Differences looked at the sleep habits and IQ scores of 400 teenagers. They found a small correlation between higher IQ and shorter sleep duration.
However, the correlation was quite weak. The smartest teenagers slept only about 15-30 minutes less than average students on school nights. This small difference in sleep duration is unlikely to have a major impact on cognitive functioning.
Overall, the evidence does not support the notion that geniuses require dramatically less sleep. Like everyone else, they need sufficient sleep for optimal brain performance and health.
Famous geniuses who slept little
Throughout history, there are certainly many high-achieving intellectuals and scientists who claimed to sleep very little:
- Nikola Tesla – The brilliant inventor reportedly slept as little as 2 hours per night.
- Leonardo da Vinci – He apparently slept less than 15 minutes every 4 hours, for a total of 1.5 hours of sleep per day.
- Thomas Edison – The famous inventor slept about 5 hours a night on average.
- Margaret Thatcher – England’s longest-serving Prime Minister reportedly slept only 4 hours per night while in office.
However, we cannot assume that their lack of sleep was directly responsible for their intellect and achievements. There are likely multiple factors that allowed them to function on so little shut-eye, including genetics, diet, work habits, and sheer willpower.
Additionally, some historical accounts of short sleeping habits are not backed up by solid evidence. We cannot say for sure how long some of these iconic figures truly slept.
Do geniuses suffer from sleeping problems?
Although they may not require dramatically less sleep, research shows that high-IQ individuals are more likely to experience certain sleep disturbances:
- Insomnia – A 2015 study found that people with higher IQs tend to have more trouble falling asleep and staying asleep through the night.
- Delayed sleep phase – Multiple studies show that smarter people are more likely to be night owls with later bedtimes and wake times.
- Vivid dreaming – Highly intelligent people also tend to have more frequent and vivid dreams and nightmares.
The reasons for this correlation between IQ and sleeping difficulties are unclear. It’s possible that some aspects of high intelligence, such as overactive minds or coping with stress, can make it harder to get restful sleep.
How much sleep do geniuses really need?
While some brilliant minds like Da Vinci and Edison got by on minimal sleep, this does not mean lack of sleep automatically makes you smarter. Plenty of studies show that insufficient sleep impairs cognitive performance and creativity.
Research has not identified one “ideal” sleep duration that unlocks genius. Experts recommend that most healthy adults aim for 7-9 hours per night. Ultimately, the amount of sleep you need depends on many factors like age, genetics, and overall health.
Here is a quick summary of sleep recommendations by age group:
| Age | Recommended Hours of Sleep Per Night |
|---|---|
| Newborns (0-3 months) | 14-17 hours |
| Infants (4-11 months) | 12-15 hours |
| Toddlers (1-2 years) | 11-14 hours |
| Preschoolers (3-5 years) | 10-13 hours |
| School-age (6-13 years) | 9-11 hours |
| Teenagers (14-17 years) | 8-10 hours |
| Young Adults (18-25 years) | 7-9 hours |
| Adults (26-64 years) | 7-9 hours |
| Older Adults (65+ years) | 7-8 hours |
As you can see, school-aged children need the most sleep, followed by teenagers and adults. There is no evidence that requiring less sleep than recommended for your age makes you smarter or more creative.
Health risks of inadequate sleep
Sleeping too little over the long-term is linked to a variety of health problems, including:
- Weakened immune system
- Increased risk of diabetes, heart disease, stroke, and obesity
- Higher mortality rates
- Mood disorders like depression
- Impaired memory, learning, and decision-making
Severe and chronic sleep deprivation can even lead to death. Rats deprived of sleep completely die within 2-3 weeks. So while some geniuses may thrive on less sleep, lack of quality sleep can shorten anyone’s life.
Tips for getting enough sleep
No matter how brilliant you are, aim for the recommended amount of sleep for your age. Here are some tips for getting enough high-quality shut-eye:
- Maintain a consistent sleep schedule by going to bed and waking up at the same times daily, even on weekends.
- Make sure your bedroom is cool, dark, and quiet.
- Avoid screens and digital devices before bedtime.
- Reduce caffeine intake, especially late in the day.
- Establish a relaxing pre-bed routine like taking a bath, reading, or light stretches.
- Exercise regularly, but not too close to bedtime.
If you continue having trouble sleeping, talk to your doctor. They can identify any underlying conditions disrupting your sleep and recommend solutions.
The bottom line
High intelligence does not necessarily mean needing less sleep. While some brilliant minds like Edison and Tesla got by on minimal shut-eye, most geniuses likely need around 7-9 hours per night for optimal performance and health.
Certain sleep issues like insomnia are more common among highly intelligent people. But lack of quality sleep mainly impairs cognitive abilities rather than enhancing them.
Aim to get enough sleep for your age group to allow your mind to function at its full potential. Establish healthy sleep habits, and talk to your doctor if you have chronic insomnia or other sleeping problems interfering with your rest.