Scientists find rare gene behind short sleepers

But can they help them become taller sleepers?

"Scientists have discovered a gene that helps a mother and daughter stay alert on about six hours sleep a night, two hours less than the rest of their family needs.

It's believed to be a very rare mutation, not an excuse for the rest of us who stay up too late. But the finding, published in Friday's edition of the journal Science, offers a new lead to study how sleep affects health."

These researchers are impressive.

They found the about 6-hour gene. Not the about 5:59 and about 6:01 genes.

One down, 1439 to go.

Until they get better and find the 5:59:59 and 6:00:01 genes.

Then it is one down, 86,399 to go.

Yep. It must be this rare mutation and no other possible cause.

"The result: A model that 'provides a unique opportunity' to study the effects of different amounts of sleep, Fu concluded."

Yuck Fu.