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I attempted the Uberman sleep cycle about a year ago. I managed to get by with 20 minutes sleep every 4 hours. I lasted 2 weeks before bad things started happen

I attempted the Uberman sleep cycle about a year ago. I managed to get by with 20 minutes sleep every 4 hours. I lasted 2 weeks before bad things started happening (hallucinating, extreme weakness, and major cognitive deterioration). It was a fun experience but something I am convinced is fabricated and doesn't work despite some peoples anecdotal evidence. Eventually I ran into this blog and when I read it I immediately quit the cycle http://www.supermemo.com/articles/polyphasic.htm http://www.supermemo.com/articles/polyphasic.htm If anyone has any questions about it/are thinking of trying a sleep cycle I would be glad to answer!

elektronaut 15y ago
That was my experience as well when I tried it 10 years ago. I started with Uberman, but had to shift to a schedule with 4 hours of core sleep towards the end of the second week, as I was getting severely sleep deprived and unable to function. I'd gone close to four days without sleep a few years prior, and the feeling was pretty much the same. My interest was sparked as I've always had trouble with my circadian cycle, and my free running sleep eventually evolved to a polyphasic rythm to keep up with work, study and social life. I eventually had to give that up, as I ended up having extremely vivid dreams that were hard to discern from reality. Getting a good nights sleep and possibly an afternoon nap really is the key.