Get Psyched with New Sleep Cycles

With all the work, extracurricular activities, and standardized tests students prepare for, getting sufficient sleep may seem impossible. Although the general ideal sleep cycle is 8.5-9 hours of undisturbed sleep in a monophasic cycle, there are other cycles that can help people who are struggling to sleep once per day for the recommended time.

1. Uberman Cycle: Take 20-30 minute naps every 4 hours. On average, people feel refreshed after each nap taken. In addition to that benefit, those who have wanted to lucid dream have reported that it has been more easy to do so this way than with a monophasic sleep cycle. The only downside of the Uberman Cycle is that users will feel horribly tired if they miss a nap.

2. Dymaxion Cycle: This cycle relies on the idea that the body has two energy tanks: one that is easy to replenish and one that is not. Bucky Fuller, the inventor, slept for 30 minutes every 6 hours, resulting in 2 hours of total sleep each day. After being checked by doctors, he was reported to be perfectly healthy. Bucky describes this sleep cycle as resulting in “the most vigorous and alert condition [he has] ever enjoyed.”

3. Biphasic/Siesta Cycle: This is used by many college students in America already. It consists of sleeping for 4-4.5 hours every night and then taking a 90 minute nap around noon. Although this is quite similar to the monophasic sleep cycle, the 90 minute nap helps people, on average, to feel better than just sleeping for the 4-4.5 hours. The effect of this is not as powerful as other methods, but data does indicate that it is better than a briefer monophasic sleep cycle.

If one chooses to start a sleep cycle, it may not work until 1-2 weeks in because the body needs to adjust to the new conditions. The preferred sleeping cycle changes for everyone based on their time schedules. Try a few of them out and see which will prepare you to be alert and attentive in school!