Polyphasic sleep cycle 2.0 - Day 1

Progress at-a-glance

End of day 1*

• Mental alertness: 9
• Physical energy level: 10
• Quality of sleep: 10

*On this scale, 10 represents my original state prior to beginning this experiment.

Detailed comments

During my pre-experimental research stage, I read someone's comment somewhere if you adopt a polyphasic sleeping pattern, then return to a monophasic one, and at a later stage desire to recondition yourself into a polyphasic cycle, it becomes easier. Not enough research is available to give a definitive stance on this claim yet, but I may have experienced something of the sorts today. Comparing my first day on my first attempt at a polyphasic sleep cycle, and comparing my first day on my second attempt (the day just gone by), I fell asleep arguably faster this time round, my sleep quality was better, and I was more awake at after each respective nap. Of course, another plausible explanation is that I allowed myself more sleep per cycle this time round, which would obviously boost overall performance. So in the end, I don't know :P But I'll leave this speculation here for now, if ever it makes sense to refer back to it.

The 12am to 8am interval was pretty good. That may have been because I'm faring better on my second attempt, or it could be simply due to how I filled up my time, namely making Christmas cards.  Yes I know Christmas was five days ago. But I've been at my dad's place till yesterday, so I haven't given my friends anything yet, so better late than never. In addition, it helped me pass the time during the night, quite effectively it turns out, by keeping my brain active in a non-strenuous activity during my awake hours.

I spent the most part of the day grocery shopping, and also spent some time catching up with friends and doing some homework. I made sure to time everything so that I would be able to return to my room in time for my scheduled nap every time. Overall, my mental function was close to normal, but I think I sounded a bit sleepier than I usually do. I also yawned a number of times today, while performing not menial tasks.

My eating regime went well today, largely sticking to the schedule I drew up prior to beginning take two of my polyphasic sleep cycle. The one major difference is that I skipped the 12pm-4pm meal, simply because I was out shopping and didn't get back in time. But I had dinner at 6pm, and I cooked stir fry for the first time since coming to Japan in April. For my ingredients I used soy bean sprouts, mushrooms, bamboo shoots, celery, and something that looked like bok choi. Not your conventional ingredients, but it was delicious. In terms of nutritional value, I think I ate sufficiently today.

All in all, a good end to the first day of my second attempt at the Uberman sleep cycle.