Previous attempts of reading at these times result in repeated lapses of microsleep, with virtually no noticeable transition from awake state to dream state. The transition would be only a few seconds long, and would end with me jolting myself into consciousness - only to lapse into another microsleep just moments later.
What I set out to do was find out how I could stay awake for 3 hours of reading (from 3am - 6am).
First Challenge:
How to stay alert when sleep is overdue.
On Easter Saturday night, I was staying at my aunty and uncle's elevated homestead overlooking the Waikato Plains. As I was transitioning to polyphasic sleeping (first night), I had to amuse myself for an entire night in isolation - away from my computer and other entertainment that I would usually entertain myself with. What I did bring with me was a book called "Emergence" by Steven Johnson. I told myself that I would finish at least half of the book before my 6am nap (about 100 pages worth).How on earth was I going to do this? I was sitting in a cosy room with a lazy fire flickering in the background and mood lighting... this sort of environment was perfect for snuggling up and snoozing all night long...
So I sat back on the deep leather couch, and began to read.
Each time I felt myself losing concentration, I would lean forward onto my haunches. I found the simple change in posture cleared my brain and brightened my eyes.
Sure enough, I got through around 90 odd pages (including interludes for juggling and food/drink).
Next Challenge:
How to keep alert when heavily sleep deprived.
Ok, so this was quite something else. I could barely keep my eyes open following the 2:30am nap... yet I really wanted to read "Way of the Superior Man" by David Deida. This seemed like a ridiculous prospect given my state. Nonetheless, I set out to experiment.
I could tell that just sitting forwards would not keep me awake long. So I tried sitting on a ledge with my legs suspended in the air. It was an act of balance and weight management. This sort of position kept my mind focused and alert - which allowed me to read for some time.
I thought that perhaps now I could read whilst standing. No such chance! I quickly slipped into la-la land.
I found that I could stay alert during reading by holding myself in an active position (stretching, lifting, balance, and motion [to a lesser degree]).
