As those of you who know me in real life know, I have recently decided to undertake a transition to the Uberman Sleep Schedule. That link will tell you most of what there is to know about Uberman. If you don’t like reading, the following diagram somewhat summarizes it.
Circle is 24h. Red is asleep. Black is awake.
Basically, rather than sleeping ~8h at night, I’m going to be sleeping for 20-25 minutes every 4h. At first, the body violently resists this, because it does not know how to get any REM sleep while only sleeping in 20 minute stints. After a couple of weeks, though, the body can adjust to this and then actually becomes more rested since it actually gets 2 full hours of REM every 24h versus only about 1.5h REM on a regular sleep schedule.
I’ve given this past day (June 27th, 2011) the name “Day Zero”. I had a full night’s sleep last night—aside from my roommate’s phone waking me earlier than I’d intended—but I started my naps at noon, and have just finished my fourth (my midnight nap).
My nap schedule is: 11:30, 3:30, 7:30 (am & pm).
I’ll post abut Uberman at least daily for the first week or two, then after that it will depend on my state. My hope is that polyphasic sleeping will become my normal state (or close to it) by then and there won’t be many more anomalies to remark.
If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to leave a comment! I have plenty of time now, so I should be able to answer it 😛
Malcolm
PS: My friend just sent me a link to this comic about sleep deprivation.
Constantly consciously expanding the boundaries of thoughtspace and actionspace. Creator of Intend, a system for improvisationally & creatively staying in touch with what's most important to you, and taking action towards it.
Robert (@orig_goof) » 28 Jun 2011 »
I figure you’re a UW student since you’re walking around Columbia Lake 😛 I just wanted to know how has the schedule impacted class time, or if you’re on coop how has it affected the work day with mid-day naps? I wanted to try this sometime last year but I was worried about messing up sleep schedule, or that I might have a class at the same time I would need to take a nap.
Malcolm » 28 Jun 2011 »
I’m indeed a UW student. 1B Systems Design Engineering. I’m currently taking classes, although I haven’t been to many since starting yesterday. However, once I get fully adjusted the schedule should only cause me to miss about an hour total of class weekly, which I figure is well-offset by having an extra 42 hours every week that I can put toward catching up on that material.
I made sure to choose a part of the term when I don’t have major assignments due or weighty tests, so that if I find myself feeling zombie-ish I won’t lose too many marks.
I’ve talked with my coop employers for the fall, and they think I’m crazy but they gave me the thumbs-up to do this. However, it’s worth noting that my placement is at a software startup, Kik Interactive, that already has a very relaxed and flexible environment. I’m hoping my schedule will be able to last all fall and into next winter’s school term. At that point I’ll have to discuss the schedule with other potential employers.
Have your say!