I probably shouldn't have titled this post "The End", because I am not completely ending my sleep cycle, I am merely adjusting it. However, this will be my last blog post. The blog has been helpful to me so far, but I no longer need it.
I am changing my cycle to have a 6-hour core sleep at night, and I will keep up my naps.
The reason for this change is that I am bored; I am really bored all the time. This cycle was nice when I was overwhelmed with work and had no time to do it. However, the semester is winding down and I am presented with more free time than I can deal with. It is actually an inconvenience to be bored, and so I am allocating 1.5 more hours to sleep, so I can be less bored during the day. Also, I have the added benefit of having class two hours after awaking. I can now do something active, eat breakfast, relax, and then go to class. My mornings have been unproductive so far, so this will cut out some of the dead time.
I will still take scheduled naps, though. The naps have been really nice, and are the equivalent of a cup of coffee in the middle of my day. But with more sleep during the night, I can be more flexible; if I miss a nap here or there, it's alright. The main key to my new schedule is a fixed sleep schedule. Having a constant bedtime and waking-up time will add stability to my days and give me a dependable amount of rest. I still will not sleep in during weekends, and I will have all the energy I need.
In conclusion of my 3-week experience on polyphasic sleeping: it is possible, if you have things that need to be done. The Everyman is a cycle that I would recommend to anyone. It gave me extra hours in my day to do whatever I want, and I thoroughly enjoyed the free time. However- it is only worth it if you have things to do to occupy your time. Being locked out of your room with a sleeping roommate is not ideal. Tip-toeing around the house is not ideal. You should be spending all your waking hours in full light, doing tasks at normal noise levels. Otherwise, you will put yourself to sleep.
This schedule also takes extraordinary willpower and a strict schedule. It is convenient to have the extra time for yourself, but comes at the expense of others. You have to schedule everything around your naps, because if you miss them or don't sleep well during them- you will feel it. So if you have a busy schedule and need a couple of hours to relax- go for it. Otherwise, your free time is better spent enjoying some sleep.
Friday, December 3, 2010
Day 22
Day 22 - Thursday
I started off on a bad foot today. I'm still on readjustment from messing up my sleep cycle over break. So today was just about the climax, the crucial most tired day before my body is forced to adjust. Days will be easier now, as today was the hump that I had to get over.
The morning was tiring. I went for a hike, came back, ate breakfast, and had nothing to do but sit and watch tv/browse the internet. Bad idea- an hour of sitting down in one place bored made me extremely tired. If I want to keep up this schedule without torturing myself with tiredness in the morning, I need something better to occupy my time with. Maybe if college classes started at a regular time like normal workplaces do...
Afternoon and evening were fantastic. I was a little sluggish at times, but it wasn't too bad. A busy evening kept me awake until bedtime.
I started off on a bad foot today. I'm still on readjustment from messing up my sleep cycle over break. So today was just about the climax, the crucial most tired day before my body is forced to adjust. Days will be easier now, as today was the hump that I had to get over.
The morning was tiring. I went for a hike, came back, ate breakfast, and had nothing to do but sit and watch tv/browse the internet. Bad idea- an hour of sitting down in one place bored made me extremely tired. If I want to keep up this schedule without torturing myself with tiredness in the morning, I need something better to occupy my time with. Maybe if college classes started at a regular time like normal workplaces do...
Afternoon and evening were fantastic. I was a little sluggish at times, but it wasn't too bad. A busy evening kept me awake until bedtime.
Thursday, December 2, 2010
Day 21
Day 21 - Wednesday
A regular polyphasic day. Naps and bedtime were on schedule, and I had a high energy level throughout the day!
Naps have been getting better: I fall asleep fast now, but getting up is a bit of a struggle. My body is not used to the 20-minute interval for the naps anymore.
I also am waking up in the middle of the nap, after a dream. Hopefully the naps will even out to a solid 20-minute sleep period with waking up feeling completely natural.
Overall- good energy today!
A regular polyphasic day. Naps and bedtime were on schedule, and I had a high energy level throughout the day!
Naps have been getting better: I fall asleep fast now, but getting up is a bit of a struggle. My body is not used to the 20-minute interval for the naps anymore.
I also am waking up in the middle of the nap, after a dream. Hopefully the naps will even out to a solid 20-minute sleep period with waking up feeling completely natural.
Overall- good energy today!
Wednesday, December 1, 2010
Day 20
Day 20 - Tuesday
Today was alright, except for my naps.
My energy level in the morning was great, and that carried through into the afternoon. However, I did not get tired as I should have near my naps. By the time that I hit the pillow, I had a hard time falling asleep. With only 20 minutes to nap, that lost time was precious. Falling asleep NOT within 1-2 minutes meant not going into REM sleep, and I really didn't gain much from those naps.
As a result, my evening was interesting. I went to the gym around 8, and had a solid hour of good exercise, including running and sprinting on my healing sprained ankle. This all felt really good, and I was full of energy at the gym. When I got back, I had my recovery drink, and sat listening to music for twenty minutes. After that, I was insanely tired. Fatigue washed over me, not only the sluggishness I usually feel following a workout, but I was tired as well. This phenomenon carried through from 10-12:30, accompanied by a pounding headache.
Late at night, I slaved away at the piece of music I was creating for class, and two advils warded off the pounding in my head. After I really got my creative juices flowing and began working hard, my tiredness abated. By 2:00, I was on a roll making music (fully awake), and even the dark room (roommate was asleep) didn't affect my energy level. Very interesting phenomenon with the inactivity and extreme fatigue. Of course, once hitting the pillow, I fell asleep fairly quickly this time. I deserved my 4.5 hours of rest.
Today was alright, except for my naps.
My energy level in the morning was great, and that carried through into the afternoon. However, I did not get tired as I should have near my naps. By the time that I hit the pillow, I had a hard time falling asleep. With only 20 minutes to nap, that lost time was precious. Falling asleep NOT within 1-2 minutes meant not going into REM sleep, and I really didn't gain much from those naps.
As a result, my evening was interesting. I went to the gym around 8, and had a solid hour of good exercise, including running and sprinting on my healing sprained ankle. This all felt really good, and I was full of energy at the gym. When I got back, I had my recovery drink, and sat listening to music for twenty minutes. After that, I was insanely tired. Fatigue washed over me, not only the sluggishness I usually feel following a workout, but I was tired as well. This phenomenon carried through from 10-12:30, accompanied by a pounding headache.
Late at night, I slaved away at the piece of music I was creating for class, and two advils warded off the pounding in my head. After I really got my creative juices flowing and began working hard, my tiredness abated. By 2:00, I was on a roll making music (fully awake), and even the dark room (roommate was asleep) didn't affect my energy level. Very interesting phenomenon with the inactivity and extreme fatigue. Of course, once hitting the pillow, I fell asleep fairly quickly this time. I deserved my 4.5 hours of rest.
Tuesday, November 30, 2010
Day 19
Day 19 - Monday
Back on track! Woke up at 6:30 and had an extremely productive morning. I realize that a polyphasic sleep cycle only really works well when you have a structured day. Structured sleep works with structured schedules, especially when it comes to napping precisely at the target time, and preparing my body to nap. Instead of interrupting an activity to nap, I now have at least ten minutes leading up to it, where I can relax myself so falling asleep is very easy.
Naps and bedtime were all on schedule. I was a little tired at boring segments of the day, but that's nothing new- I used to feel that while on a normal sleeping pattern.
Mornings are difficult again, but as long as I fight the tiredness (showering, eating, working out immediately after waking up) I am fine. If I don't allow myself time to get tired (sitting and reading after waking up), then I start my day off awake and stay that way.
It's nice to be back on this schedule. I love the time I have to do things.
Back on track! Woke up at 6:30 and had an extremely productive morning. I realize that a polyphasic sleep cycle only really works well when you have a structured day. Structured sleep works with structured schedules, especially when it comes to napping precisely at the target time, and preparing my body to nap. Instead of interrupting an activity to nap, I now have at least ten minutes leading up to it, where I can relax myself so falling asleep is very easy.
Naps and bedtime were all on schedule. I was a little tired at boring segments of the day, but that's nothing new- I used to feel that while on a normal sleeping pattern.
Mornings are difficult again, but as long as I fight the tiredness (showering, eating, working out immediately after waking up) I am fine. If I don't allow myself time to get tired (sitting and reading after waking up), then I start my day off awake and stay that way.
It's nice to be back on this schedule. I love the time I have to do things.
Days 15 - 18
Days 15 - 18, Thursday - Sunday
I lumped these days together because there was nothing positive to say about them. As I approached the end of break, I became much more lazy with keeping up the schedule. This was partly due to a lack of formal schedule at home, and also because I was using a watch as an alarm clock. Either way- I was oversleeping way too much.
Sunday I was back at college, and I started a strict adherence to the schedule again. My twenty minute naps are starting to feel insufficient, probably since I have been having a trouble falling asleep during them. A few days strictly adhering to the Everyman should fix that.
There should be a rough couple of days where I force my body back on the schedule, but it most likely will be fine.
I lumped these days together because there was nothing positive to say about them. As I approached the end of break, I became much more lazy with keeping up the schedule. This was partly due to a lack of formal schedule at home, and also because I was using a watch as an alarm clock. Either way- I was oversleeping way too much.
Sunday I was back at college, and I started a strict adherence to the schedule again. My twenty minute naps are starting to feel insufficient, probably since I have been having a trouble falling asleep during them. A few days strictly adhering to the Everyman should fix that.
There should be a rough couple of days where I force my body back on the schedule, but it most likely will be fine.
Wednesday, November 24, 2010
Day 14
Day 14 - Wednesday
Recovery Day. Today was a bit tired as well, but not any worse as yesterday (Tuesday). I stuck to my schedule today. It is harder not being in my dorm, since my alarms are a bit different in the morning; it is too easy to snooze or to reach over and silence my alarm while going back to sleep.
However, I have developed good techniques of keeping myself awake once I am getting sleepy during the day. I just have to divert my attention, constantly switching focuses and not allowing my mind to settle. This gives me something to think about. And it wakes me up.
I was good today. I followed my schedule exactly, and it felt better than yesterday (oversleeping in naps makes me feel even worse). I was a little groggy around my naps, tired a bit before and after. This is expected, since today is a recovery day. I expect to need a few days to ease my body back on this insane sleeping schedule. I will also be more punctual about my naps.
If I'm going to do this- I have to do it good, and I have to do it right.
Recovery Day. Today was a bit tired as well, but not any worse as yesterday (Tuesday). I stuck to my schedule today. It is harder not being in my dorm, since my alarms are a bit different in the morning; it is too easy to snooze or to reach over and silence my alarm while going back to sleep.
However, I have developed good techniques of keeping myself awake once I am getting sleepy during the day. I just have to divert my attention, constantly switching focuses and not allowing my mind to settle. This gives me something to think about. And it wakes me up.
I was good today. I followed my schedule exactly, and it felt better than yesterday (oversleeping in naps makes me feel even worse). I was a little groggy around my naps, tired a bit before and after. This is expected, since today is a recovery day. I expect to need a few days to ease my body back on this insane sleeping schedule. I will also be more punctual about my naps.
If I'm going to do this- I have to do it good, and I have to do it right.
Day 13
Day 13 - Tuesday
Regression. My body has started making backwards progress. This is most likely due to the fact that I have been oversleeping in my naps and taking the schedule too loosely. I need to be more disciplined.
No more attempting to WILD after a nap- it just puts me to sleep again and throws off my schedule. I'm pretty sure now that less sleep is better for me- I need to adhere strictly to the schedule.
Also- I think that napping within an hour of the designated time is not good either. I get the feeling like back at college, taking naps at exactly the same time helped me. Too much leniency and my body has no chance at adapting more. It is being thrown off and I need to fix it. I hope I can nip this fatigue in the butt before it gets worse.
Today I added 45 minutes to my noon nap because of a (completely failed) WILD attempt. My 6:30 nap was fairly good, but overall I am tired in mornings and evenings- I have never gotten tired during both ends of the days before.
Also notable: I get easily tired near when I should take naps. Unless, of course, I am busy doing something active at the moment. I feel my body struggling to keep on the schedule, but I am making it hard for myself.
Regression. My body has started making backwards progress. This is most likely due to the fact that I have been oversleeping in my naps and taking the schedule too loosely. I need to be more disciplined.
No more attempting to WILD after a nap- it just puts me to sleep again and throws off my schedule. I'm pretty sure now that less sleep is better for me- I need to adhere strictly to the schedule.
Also- I think that napping within an hour of the designated time is not good either. I get the feeling like back at college, taking naps at exactly the same time helped me. Too much leniency and my body has no chance at adapting more. It is being thrown off and I need to fix it. I hope I can nip this fatigue in the butt before it gets worse.
Today I added 45 minutes to my noon nap because of a (completely failed) WILD attempt. My 6:30 nap was fairly good, but overall I am tired in mornings and evenings- I have never gotten tired during both ends of the days before.
Also notable: I get easily tired near when I should take naps. Unless, of course, I am busy doing something active at the moment. I feel my body struggling to keep on the schedule, but I am making it hard for myself.
Monday, November 22, 2010
Day 12
Day 12 - Monday
Today was a step backwards in the schedule. After a fun (but rough night), I woke up feeling tired. Being on Thanksgiving break, I allowed myself 5 minutes of snooze before getting up. Felt great to get up after the 5 minutes. I'm curious how bad snoozing is for my circadian cycle. Also- I would like to know how bad it is to take longer naps.
One thing to note is that driving is difficult in the morning. This leads back to my tendency to sleep in cars. Even if I'm slightly tired in the morning, a boring ride really made me tired while driving between errands. By 9:00 I was fine, but driving earlier was a real hassle.
My noon nap was interesting. I took my normal 20 minutes, but then I spent an hour afterward attempting to have a WILD (wake initiated lucid dream). I got very close, but did not really sleep. Most of my time was spent relaxing with ghosts of hypnologic states passing before my eyes, and also I lost time due to the black hole-effect. Basically, my mind's state of limbo while it is relaxed but neither conscious, unconscious, or dreaming.
Evening nap was uneventful.
My night was fine, but after watching some tv and a movie, I really have gotten tired near my bedtime, starting at midnight. This may be a product of bad sleep last night, so I'll try to be very good about my schedule the next few days. This drowsiness started around midnight. It's a first, but will definitely change once I go back to college. Interesting how my body used to be bad at mornings, but now seems to be bad at nights.
Today was a step backwards in the schedule. After a fun (but rough night), I woke up feeling tired. Being on Thanksgiving break, I allowed myself 5 minutes of snooze before getting up. Felt great to get up after the 5 minutes. I'm curious how bad snoozing is for my circadian cycle. Also- I would like to know how bad it is to take longer naps.
One thing to note is that driving is difficult in the morning. This leads back to my tendency to sleep in cars. Even if I'm slightly tired in the morning, a boring ride really made me tired while driving between errands. By 9:00 I was fine, but driving earlier was a real hassle.
My noon nap was interesting. I took my normal 20 minutes, but then I spent an hour afterward attempting to have a WILD (wake initiated lucid dream). I got very close, but did not really sleep. Most of my time was spent relaxing with ghosts of hypnologic states passing before my eyes, and also I lost time due to the black hole-effect. Basically, my mind's state of limbo while it is relaxed but neither conscious, unconscious, or dreaming.
Evening nap was uneventful.
My night was fine, but after watching some tv and a movie, I really have gotten tired near my bedtime, starting at midnight. This may be a product of bad sleep last night, so I'll try to be very good about my schedule the next few days. This drowsiness started around midnight. It's a first, but will definitely change once I go back to college. Interesting how my body used to be bad at mornings, but now seems to be bad at nights.
Day 11
Day 11 - Sunday
Today was the best-adapted day to date. Consistent energy level throughout the day, although waking up from naps left me wanting more.
Best thing about today: I woke up before my alarm went off (6:29 AM). Shows that my body is finally accepting this schedule.
Today was the best-adapted day to date. Consistent energy level throughout the day, although waking up from naps left me wanting more.
Best thing about today: I woke up before my alarm went off (6:29 AM). Shows that my body is finally accepting this schedule.
Sunday, November 21, 2010
Day 10
Day 10 - Saturday
6:30 am: You are no longer my enemy!
I would like to mark today as the day that my body is finally adapted to the Everyman schedule! It has been 1 week + 2 days since starting, and I was not tired when I woke up at 6:30. This is extremely exciting- it means that I am ready to have more productive mornings, doing things instead of wallowing in my tiredness for an hour. Breakfast is a situation that I'll have to figure out with my sleeping roommate in the room, but it should be easy once I have some fruit to eat.
So today was my voyage back home to NJ for thanksgiving break. Why do I mention this? I have an affinity for sleeping in cars, buses, trains, and other vehicles. The constant rumbling and motion has a soporific effect on me. On the train into Boston, I slipped into a dream for around 30 seconds and immediately had a dream about missing my stop. That woke me up!
On the bus, I had my regularly scheduled nap, but allowed myself to oversleep (sleep is inevitable for me in cars, so I rather take one long nap than two short ones). Interestingly- I woke up exactly 20 minutes after falling asleep. I used this opportunity to fall back asleep again. My cycle is now officially burned into my body. I'm so happy!
At night, I am starting to feel a little tired at 2:00am. This is amazing, my body is finally shifting forward two hours. Success with the everyman!
6:30 am: You are no longer my enemy!
I would like to mark today as the day that my body is finally adapted to the Everyman schedule! It has been 1 week + 2 days since starting, and I was not tired when I woke up at 6:30. This is extremely exciting- it means that I am ready to have more productive mornings, doing things instead of wallowing in my tiredness for an hour. Breakfast is a situation that I'll have to figure out with my sleeping roommate in the room, but it should be easy once I have some fruit to eat.
So today was my voyage back home to NJ for thanksgiving break. Why do I mention this? I have an affinity for sleeping in cars, buses, trains, and other vehicles. The constant rumbling and motion has a soporific effect on me. On the train into Boston, I slipped into a dream for around 30 seconds and immediately had a dream about missing my stop. That woke me up!
On the bus, I had my regularly scheduled nap, but allowed myself to oversleep (sleep is inevitable for me in cars, so I rather take one long nap than two short ones). Interestingly- I woke up exactly 20 minutes after falling asleep. I used this opportunity to fall back asleep again. My cycle is now officially burned into my body. I'm so happy!
At night, I am starting to feel a little tired at 2:00am. This is amazing, my body is finally shifting forward two hours. Success with the everyman!
Saturday, November 20, 2010
Day 9
Day 9 - Friday
As I mentioned in my last post, last night's sleep was rough. I got woken up several times during the night, and overslept for 15 minutes. Fortunately, once awake, I was awake. I am finally adapting to the morning time of 6:30! The general day was pretty good, with my energy levels at reasonable levels. My lunch nap was productive, but I overslept on my 6:30 nap- I need to be better at setting precise alarms every time I fall asleep.
The 45-minute nap felt natural waking up, but it was not worth the extra 25 min. After waking, I was tired, as if all the energy was taken out of me. Now I understand the importance of 20-minute naps: they allow you to wake up rejuvenated instead of more tired.
As far as lucid dreaming goes, I am starting at square one: remembering my dreams. I have been consciously trying to remember dreams, keeping a dream journal and constantly reminding myself that I want to remember. I even did a 15 minute self-hypnosis session today to try and suggest the recall of dreams. But that was very tough, on this sleep cycle my body wants to fall asleep rather than sink into trance. It was a pretty sloppy hypnosis session, with my mind constantly getting sidetracked as if I were falling asleep. I would love to be hypnotized by someone else though.
I'm holding up well- I feel more adjusted to this schedule than ever, and I hope that the hard part is finally over!
As I mentioned in my last post, last night's sleep was rough. I got woken up several times during the night, and overslept for 15 minutes. Fortunately, once awake, I was awake. I am finally adapting to the morning time of 6:30! The general day was pretty good, with my energy levels at reasonable levels. My lunch nap was productive, but I overslept on my 6:30 nap- I need to be better at setting precise alarms every time I fall asleep.
The 45-minute nap felt natural waking up, but it was not worth the extra 25 min. After waking, I was tired, as if all the energy was taken out of me. Now I understand the importance of 20-minute naps: they allow you to wake up rejuvenated instead of more tired.
As far as lucid dreaming goes, I am starting at square one: remembering my dreams. I have been consciously trying to remember dreams, keeping a dream journal and constantly reminding myself that I want to remember. I even did a 15 minute self-hypnosis session today to try and suggest the recall of dreams. But that was very tough, on this sleep cycle my body wants to fall asleep rather than sink into trance. It was a pretty sloppy hypnosis session, with my mind constantly getting sidetracked as if I were falling asleep. I would love to be hypnotized by someone else though.
I'm holding up well- I feel more adjusted to this schedule than ever, and I hope that the hard part is finally over!
Friday, November 19, 2010
Day 8
Day 8 - Thursday
Today marks the official 1-week mark of adoption. Unfortunately, today was messy, really messy, and I'm pretty pissed off about it.
My afternoon nap went as planned, but after my alarm sounded, I decided to lie in bed for a little bit to try and lucid dream. Bad idea- I fell asleep for another 30 min. I'm considering that a 30-min oversleep. I almost missed the thanksgiving lunch at my school.
Evening nap: I was so excited to lucid dream that I tried to WILD. Bad idea- I didn't catch any REM sleep, instead teeter-tottering on the brink of dreaming, trying to stay conscious and dream at the same time. I got really close to WILD'ing, but in my mind it wasn't worth essentially skipping my nap.
Nighttime sleep: for some reason, my roommate had his friend come and visit while he was out seeing Harry Potter at the movies- all night long. Naturally, the friend didn't want to go to sleep. So I had to endure the friend noisily entering and leaving as he pleased. Not to mention my roommate getting back and waking me up at 3:45, entering and leaving three distinct times. After being woken the third time, I had trouble falling back asleep.
So this upset me so much, I allowed myself a 15-minute oversleep in the morning on Friday. I woke up from that naturally, and I have had less sleep than is optimal. That's why I'm angry- this whole day could set me up for fatigue in the coming days.
Strangely: When I woke up on Friday (the day after this post), I was wide awake. I think it has to do with how you always feel more awake the day after having little sleep. Or maybe I'm just starting to adapt to the schedule?
Either way, I know I'll pay for this day in fatigue for the upcoming days.
Today marks the official 1-week mark of adoption. Unfortunately, today was messy, really messy, and I'm pretty pissed off about it.
My afternoon nap went as planned, but after my alarm sounded, I decided to lie in bed for a little bit to try and lucid dream. Bad idea- I fell asleep for another 30 min. I'm considering that a 30-min oversleep. I almost missed the thanksgiving lunch at my school.
Evening nap: I was so excited to lucid dream that I tried to WILD. Bad idea- I didn't catch any REM sleep, instead teeter-tottering on the brink of dreaming, trying to stay conscious and dream at the same time. I got really close to WILD'ing, but in my mind it wasn't worth essentially skipping my nap.
Nighttime sleep: for some reason, my roommate had his friend come and visit while he was out seeing Harry Potter at the movies- all night long. Naturally, the friend didn't want to go to sleep. So I had to endure the friend noisily entering and leaving as he pleased. Not to mention my roommate getting back and waking me up at 3:45, entering and leaving three distinct times. After being woken the third time, I had trouble falling back asleep.
So this upset me so much, I allowed myself a 15-minute oversleep in the morning on Friday. I woke up from that naturally, and I have had less sleep than is optimal. That's why I'm angry- this whole day could set me up for fatigue in the coming days.
Strangely: When I woke up on Friday (the day after this post), I was wide awake. I think it has to do with how you always feel more awake the day after having little sleep. Or maybe I'm just starting to adapt to the schedule?
Either way, I know I'll pay for this day in fatigue for the upcoming days.
Thursday, November 18, 2010
Day 7
Day 7 - Wednesday
Tired in the morning, as usual, but this time the cold shower didn't help. I must resolve to either adapt quicker (come on, body!) or to not read in warm places in the morning. Also, I should get fruit in my room so I get instant sugar as soon as I wake.
The day was not too bad, but I had a general feeling of drowsiness, no worse than Tuesday though. I only get tired when I'm sitting and bored, like in lecture- but I used to get tired in lecture anyway.
So: lucid dreaming. Basically, it is half-awakening during a dream: being able to control your dreams. I want to fly. So I started a dream journal and was able to remember a couple of second-long snippets from my dreams. I hope to remember more in the future.
Lucid dreaming is hard, I focus on trying to remember to wake up inside the dream and I end up waking up fully, instead of just gaining control in the dream.
Naps are good, mornings suck, and I'm awake fully at night, not getting sleepy until I physically slip under the sheets.
Tired in the morning, as usual, but this time the cold shower didn't help. I must resolve to either adapt quicker (come on, body!) or to not read in warm places in the morning. Also, I should get fruit in my room so I get instant sugar as soon as I wake.
The day was not too bad, but I had a general feeling of drowsiness, no worse than Tuesday though. I only get tired when I'm sitting and bored, like in lecture- but I used to get tired in lecture anyway.
So: lucid dreaming. Basically, it is half-awakening during a dream: being able to control your dreams. I want to fly. So I started a dream journal and was able to remember a couple of second-long snippets from my dreams. I hope to remember more in the future.
Lucid dreaming is hard, I focus on trying to remember to wake up inside the dream and I end up waking up fully, instead of just gaining control in the dream.
Naps are good, mornings suck, and I'm awake fully at night, not getting sleepy until I physically slip under the sheets.
Wednesday, November 17, 2010
Day 6
Day 6 - Tuesday
A blast of cold shower water managed to slam me awake this morning, keeping me relatively not sleepy during my morning "struggle hours". At least today my eyelids were not twitching, not trying to shut themselves. 6:30 to 8:30 still remains a difficult time slot in which my body does not want to be awake. My body is too used to waking up at 9, and I struggle to maintain awake until 8:30. After that time, I am fully functional, but these first 2 hours of the morning are brutal. I may try to eat breakfast immediately after waking up now, but it is difficult with a sleeping roommate and a dining hall that isn't open yet.
My first class was at 1, and so I was able to complete all my homework in the morning- a first for me. I really liked doing work in the morning, so long as I was awake enough to think clearly. Morning work seems like a bonus: like someone else did my homework for me. Later in the day, it's like free work, as if I hadn't done it myself! Plus, I have free time to do whatever I please at night. Tonight it was a movie, video games with friends, and talking to people. I love having time.
Observations of the day:
-The first two morning "struggle hours" need to improve. Soon.
-The noon nap is crucial: I can't wait to take it, and I fall asleep very fast.
-The 6:00 nap feels forced, but I manage to fall asleep fast and well anyway
-Naps are quality sleep- falling asleep in 1-2 minutes and dreaming throughout.
I have been experimenting with white noise + binaural beats during naps to improve the efficiency of them, and to block out noise that would wake me up. It seems to be working well, but it's really hard to hear my alarm through the headphones.
I would like to experiment and dabble in Lucid Dreaming, but I will have to start remembering my dreams first!
A blast of cold shower water managed to slam me awake this morning, keeping me relatively not sleepy during my morning "struggle hours". At least today my eyelids were not twitching, not trying to shut themselves. 6:30 to 8:30 still remains a difficult time slot in which my body does not want to be awake. My body is too used to waking up at 9, and I struggle to maintain awake until 8:30. After that time, I am fully functional, but these first 2 hours of the morning are brutal. I may try to eat breakfast immediately after waking up now, but it is difficult with a sleeping roommate and a dining hall that isn't open yet.
My first class was at 1, and so I was able to complete all my homework in the morning- a first for me. I really liked doing work in the morning, so long as I was awake enough to think clearly. Morning work seems like a bonus: like someone else did my homework for me. Later in the day, it's like free work, as if I hadn't done it myself! Plus, I have free time to do whatever I please at night. Tonight it was a movie, video games with friends, and talking to people. I love having time.
Observations of the day:
-The first two morning "struggle hours" need to improve. Soon.
-The noon nap is crucial: I can't wait to take it, and I fall asleep very fast.
-The 6:00 nap feels forced, but I manage to fall asleep fast and well anyway
-Naps are quality sleep- falling asleep in 1-2 minutes and dreaming throughout.
I have been experimenting with white noise + binaural beats during naps to improve the efficiency of them, and to block out noise that would wake me up. It seems to be working well, but it's really hard to hear my alarm through the headphones.
I would like to experiment and dabble in Lucid Dreaming, but I will have to start remembering my dreams first!
Tuesday, November 16, 2010
Day 5
Day 5 - Monday
I officially love having the mornings to myself. Watching tv, relaxing, and being able to get a little work done is great. I end up with around 3 hours to do whatever I like! Mornings are starting to take the stress out of my day. If I am able to relax at the beginning of the day, I am much more willing to do lots of work late into the night. Also, having a set bedtime is nice. I no longer have to worry about getting to sleep early, so I can force myself to have fun up until 2:00 am!
Unfortunately, today was the first tired day that I have had since adapting the Everyman. Throughout the day I was slightly exhausted, waiting for the next nap. As usual, I got more energy throughout the night, but this night/morning imbalance will hopefully work itself out as my body fully accepts my new schedule.
When left with nothing to do, I began to feel sleepy today, as if I had not gotten enough rest the previous night. Can it be- is my body lagging behind on this schedule?
I love having this regimented sleep schedule, but I'll have to see how far my body falls behind on this schedule.
I officially love having the mornings to myself. Watching tv, relaxing, and being able to get a little work done is great. I end up with around 3 hours to do whatever I like! Mornings are starting to take the stress out of my day. If I am able to relax at the beginning of the day, I am much more willing to do lots of work late into the night. Also, having a set bedtime is nice. I no longer have to worry about getting to sleep early, so I can force myself to have fun up until 2:00 am!
Unfortunately, today was the first tired day that I have had since adapting the Everyman. Throughout the day I was slightly exhausted, waiting for the next nap. As usual, I got more energy throughout the night, but this night/morning imbalance will hopefully work itself out as my body fully accepts my new schedule.
When left with nothing to do, I began to feel sleepy today, as if I had not gotten enough rest the previous night. Can it be- is my body lagging behind on this schedule?
I love having this regimented sleep schedule, but I'll have to see how far my body falls behind on this schedule.
Monday, November 15, 2010
Day 4
Day 4 - Sunday
Mornings are a blessing and a curse. On one hand, I have a bunch of free time to catch up on work, watch tv, and play video games. On the other, my morning time is usually dead, with me struggling to stay awake until around 8:30. That part is difficult, and I'm trying to figure out a natural way of staying awake early in the morning. One of the biggest problems is that my mornings are spent sitting and working on my laptop.
Again, I gained lots of energy as the morning progressed, and I eventually had great naps at 12:10 and 6:30. Naps have been a godsend, making me slightly tired afterward, but then I have had energy all day.
Nighttime is not a problem. I stay up easily until my bedtime, and then fall asleep easily. Unfortunately, energy during the night is gained at the expense of feeling horrible in the early morning.
I have noticed an increase in the quality of my naps. I fall asleep within a couple of minutes of hitting the pillow. I sleep deeply through the 20 minutes, and they seem effective in keeping my energy level high throughout the day.
Overall: I am surprised by my progress. 4.5 hours sleep per night is unheard of for me, halving the time that I usually get to sleep. However, besides the morning, I am functioning on par or better than I usually do. Naps are easy to maintain with a College schedule, and I am hoping I can fully adapt soon.
To work on: establishing a good morning routine, being more awake in the mornings, earlier breakfast (maybe will solve the first two)
Mornings are a blessing and a curse. On one hand, I have a bunch of free time to catch up on work, watch tv, and play video games. On the other, my morning time is usually dead, with me struggling to stay awake until around 8:30. That part is difficult, and I'm trying to figure out a natural way of staying awake early in the morning. One of the biggest problems is that my mornings are spent sitting and working on my laptop.
Again, I gained lots of energy as the morning progressed, and I eventually had great naps at 12:10 and 6:30. Naps have been a godsend, making me slightly tired afterward, but then I have had energy all day.
Nighttime is not a problem. I stay up easily until my bedtime, and then fall asleep easily. Unfortunately, energy during the night is gained at the expense of feeling horrible in the early morning.
I have noticed an increase in the quality of my naps. I fall asleep within a couple of minutes of hitting the pillow. I sleep deeply through the 20 minutes, and they seem effective in keeping my energy level high throughout the day.
Overall: I am surprised by my progress. 4.5 hours sleep per night is unheard of for me, halving the time that I usually get to sleep. However, besides the morning, I am functioning on par or better than I usually do. Naps are easy to maintain with a College schedule, and I am hoping I can fully adapt soon.
To work on: establishing a good morning routine, being more awake in the mornings, earlier breakfast (maybe will solve the first two)
Sunday, November 14, 2010
Day 3
Day 3- Saturday
Waking up was bad today. It felt like I had been wrenched from my sleep forcefully. I had a slow morning, just wanting to watch tv. I need to get active first thing in the morning. Maybe I'll go for a walk to wake up, because sitting in a warm chair reading just puts me to sleep again. Showers would also help to wake up early. Ugh, such a groggy morning. When it came to my 12:10 nap, I was asleep within a minute of hitting the pillow. However, my afternoon after that nap was full of energy.
I seem to be doing pretty fine on this new schedule. Although I have small bouts of daydreaming every now and then, I am not much more tired than normal.
Naps have been increasing in quality. I sleep deeper and do not wake in the middle of them anymore. I also have been able to fall asleep better, but that's probably just tiredness.
The mornings have been getting boring, and I need to find some constructive activities for them. Maybe doing homework in advance? Morning walks/runs??
Waking up was bad today. It felt like I had been wrenched from my sleep forcefully. I had a slow morning, just wanting to watch tv. I need to get active first thing in the morning. Maybe I'll go for a walk to wake up, because sitting in a warm chair reading just puts me to sleep again. Showers would also help to wake up early. Ugh, such a groggy morning. When it came to my 12:10 nap, I was asleep within a minute of hitting the pillow. However, my afternoon after that nap was full of energy.
I seem to be doing pretty fine on this new schedule. Although I have small bouts of daydreaming every now and then, I am not much more tired than normal.
Naps have been increasing in quality. I sleep deeper and do not wake in the middle of them anymore. I also have been able to fall asleep better, but that's probably just tiredness.
The mornings have been getting boring, and I need to find some constructive activities for them. Maybe doing homework in advance? Morning walks/runs??
Day 2
Days 2 landed on a Friday
Waking up on Friday was easier than I expected. My energy level was also a shock. I ended up having lots of energy during the day. So much that falling asleep for my 12:10 nap was a little difficult. But I can confidently say that I did get at least 10 minutes of pure sleep though. Afternoon and night energy was very high, with only a slight half-hour of grogginess after each nap. I had an intense Frisbee practice at night, and I expected that to kill my energy level. However, it did not- I was able to watch a movie (Stardust) well into the night without getting sleepy. I was good about my bedtime, and everything has been according to schedule.
I also have improved my nap routine. I made a "do not disturb" sign to keep my friends from pounding on the door for my 20 minutes of bliss. It is also tough to nap with a roommate. Thus, I created a binaural beat/brown noise loop for my mp3 player, to listen to during the nap. This created a dilemma: with earbuds in, I can't hear an alarm.
Interestingly, I have woken up from my naps around 30-seconds before the alarm sounded, or before my brown noise loop ended.
Waking up on Friday was easier than I expected. My energy level was also a shock. I ended up having lots of energy during the day. So much that falling asleep for my 12:10 nap was a little difficult. But I can confidently say that I did get at least 10 minutes of pure sleep though. Afternoon and night energy was very high, with only a slight half-hour of grogginess after each nap. I had an intense Frisbee practice at night, and I expected that to kill my energy level. However, it did not- I was able to watch a movie (Stardust) well into the night without getting sleepy. I was good about my bedtime, and everything has been according to schedule.
I also have improved my nap routine. I made a "do not disturb" sign to keep my friends from pounding on the door for my 20 minutes of bliss. It is also tough to nap with a roommate. Thus, I created a binaural beat/brown noise loop for my mp3 player, to listen to during the nap. This created a dilemma: with earbuds in, I can't hear an alarm.
Interestingly, I have woken up from my naps around 30-seconds before the alarm sounded, or before my brown noise loop ended.
Friday, November 12, 2010
Day 1
Yesterday was my first day on polyphasic sleep! After going to sleep at 2:00 am and waking promptly at 6:30am, I was feeling great.
In the morning, I was energetic, using my extra 3 hours to my advantage. I got so much done by the time everyone was waking! I felt like a productivity genius. I finally have time to read my magazines and catch up on TV episodes.
During the day I took my naps, falling asleep within 5 minutes of hitting the pillow. Calming down before the nap is a big consideration now: I need every minute of the 20 that I get.
My energy level was great throughout the day, with just a slight period of drowsiness after waking. I felt fine at 2:00 am when I went to bed.
In the morning, I was energetic, using my extra 3 hours to my advantage. I got so much done by the time everyone was waking! I felt like a productivity genius. I finally have time to read my magazines and catch up on TV episodes.
During the day I took my naps, falling asleep within 5 minutes of hitting the pillow. Calming down before the nap is a big consideration now: I need every minute of the 20 that I get.
My energy level was great throughout the day, with just a slight period of drowsiness after waking. I felt fine at 2:00 am when I went to bed.
My Schedule
I will be attempting the Everyman 4.5 polyphasic sleep cycle. Here is my schedule:
-Sleep from 2:00 am - 6:30 am
-20-Minute Nap at 12:10 pm
-20-Minute Nap at 6:30 pm
This relies on the fact that I go to bed exactly at 2:00 am each night. This will be hard, but I can manage.
The timing of the naps is crucial- they must always happen within an hour of their assigned time, or I will throw my cycle off and become more tired than necessary.
The first two weeks will be a living hell, I believe, but I hope the long-term results will justify them.
-Sleep from 2:00 am - 6:30 am
-20-Minute Nap at 12:10 pm
-20-Minute Nap at 6:30 pm
This relies on the fact that I go to bed exactly at 2:00 am each night. This will be hard, but I can manage.
The timing of the naps is crucial- they must always happen within an hour of their assigned time, or I will throw my cycle off and become more tired than necessary.
The first two weeks will be a living hell, I believe, but I hope the long-term results will justify them.
Preface
I've decided to attempt polyphasic sleep cycle. More specifically the Everyman 4.5. If I succeed, I will be living on 4.5 hours of sleep a night, with 2 dedicated 20-minute naps scheduled precisely during my the day. Effectively, I will be optimizing my sleep habits: finally getting myself on a set sleeping schedule (no sleeping in on Saturdays!) and minimizing wasted sleeping time by going immediately into REM sleep cycles. If I pull this off, I should be getting as much effective rest as I would normally.
The theory is that during the night, you sleep very inefficiently, with much 'dead' time between REM cycles. REM is really what your body uses to re-energize itself. If I sleep for intervals of 90 minutes and get myself on a set sleeping schedule, I will never wake up in the middle of a cycle, and therefore feel less tired during the day. The naps are a way of spacing out the sleep I lost during the day. A 20-minute nap will put me straight into REM, but will not be long enough to impact my sleep cycle, it's just short recharge in the day.
Why?
To satisfy a personal curiosity, and to make more time to do the things I like to do.
The theory is that during the night, you sleep very inefficiently, with much 'dead' time between REM cycles. REM is really what your body uses to re-energize itself. If I sleep for intervals of 90 minutes and get myself on a set sleeping schedule, I will never wake up in the middle of a cycle, and therefore feel less tired during the day. The naps are a way of spacing out the sleep I lost during the day. A 20-minute nap will put me straight into REM, but will not be long enough to impact my sleep cycle, it's just short recharge in the day.
Why?
To satisfy a personal curiosity, and to make more time to do the things I like to do.
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