Claire's Random Thoughts

I have always had a knack, or at least a strong interest in beating standard systems as well as maximizing efficiency. Historically, most of these systems have been related to money, but thanks to Robert (from my Org Comm group), who introduced me to the concept of the Uberman Sleep Schedule, I am tackling sleep, due to my new busy life as a Sternie. Theoretically, polyphasic sleep, allows people who are able to follow specific sleep patterns to maximize waking time with comparable energy.

The schedule that I have decided on, after some research, is the Everyman Sleep Schedule, due to its flexbility.

Monophasic vs. Polyphasic Sleep
First of all, monophasic sleep is the standard 8 hours of sleep at night for typical human beings. Well, sometimes, like this time, I insist on being different.
Polyphasic sleep just means splitting up sleep into multiple sessions in a day rather than the traditional monophasic 8 hours at night. Polyphasic sleep allows for fewer total hours spent asleep if a set schedule is followed properly. The theory is that we have two reserves of energy that sleep restores. The primary is used first and faster to replenish. The secondary, that causes a “second wind” to keep us awake after we are tired, takes much more sleep to replenish. Thus, if we only use the first reserve and sleep afterwards to restore this reserve, we need much fewer hours of aggregate sleep for the same amount of expended energy.
More on Wikipedia

The schedules I was looking at were the Uberman, Dymaxion, and Everyman
Uberman: One 20 minute nap every four hours for a total of two hours per day. No deviations allowed for schedule to be effective.
Unfortunately, this schedule isn’t really practical for me. The first problem is that I have classes for four and a half hours straight, plus transportation time. If I have to take a 20 minute nap every four hours, then that means I wouldn’t be able to do anything for more than 3 hours and 40 minutes straight.

Dymaxion: One 30 minute nap every six hours for a total of two hours per day. No deviations allowed in this one either without averse effects.
Leonardo Da Vinci followed this schedule. This sleep schedule is often also referred to as the Da Vinci Sleep Schedule. This one actually seems pretty awesome. It allows up to five and a half hours between naps which is enough for most of my daily activities. However, my events, especially social events, can’t always be planned around the naps. It seems like following this schedule may require sacrifice of many enjoyable events.

Everyman: One three hour “core sleep” session accompanied by three 20 minute naps. Small deviations are acceptable, according to my research. Four hours per 24 hour day total.
Finally, one that allows for a little flexibility. This one will cost an extra two hours per day, but at least following this schedule may actually be feasible. Basically, you can go to bed late and wake up early at the cost of looking for three 20 minute intervals during the day to rest.

It is evident that the Uberman and Dymaxion schedules, as efficient as they sound, may not be suitable for most people who wish to have some integration with modern society (yes, I do). The days and nights will literally roll on forever, which is almost a scary thought. Furthermore, these schedules have no allowance for deviations making it extremely difficult to plan daily activities around frequently needed naps.

Starting tonight, I will be following the Everyman schedule. I am aware that this schedule takes at least a week to adjust to, so I am prepared for some misery (along with misery of studying and school work) for the next week, if not longer.

My planned sleep times:
3 hour “core” from approximately 3am to 6am
first nap around 10am (I guess I could just nap in my Con West class on Mondays and Wednesdays…I did that when I was on a monophasic schedule anyway)
second nap around 3pm (I’m usually free around this time most days. If not, then slight deviations should be ok)
third nap around 9pm (This might vary slightly too if I’m going out to dinner or after dinner)

I will be monitoring and reporting on a few variables in this blog to see how this adjustment in sleep schedule progresses:
physical energy – can so little sleep really allow for a comparable level of physical energy?
fatigue level – how tired will my body be?
memory and concentration – will I be able to remain mentally functional?
redness of eyes – might be a problem since my contacts often irritate my eyes more when I’m tired

The real reason I’m doing this? Well, I procrastinated and have quite a bit of work to finish by Monday. Therefore, I would have to sleep less anyway to get some work done. Therefore, I might as well try to make my time saving sleep schedule permanent. Wouldn’t it be great if I could have 4 extra hours every day?

Ok, my alarm is set for 6am. I guess I’ll be going to sleep in about 3 hours. Meanwhile, I should get a little work done. I’ll report on how I’m feeling tomorrow.

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