[jason_slack]

I am a long-term polyphasic sleeper. I've just always been this way. I have been told stories that as an infant I drove my family nuts with my lack of a need to sleep.

Now, I am 43 (in a few days), and polyphasic sleep has become a bit harder on me. Now, I am averaging between 2.5-3.5 hours each day but the real issue is if I get woken up. Example: a smoke detector goes off in the middle of the night. I can't go back to sleep because I will oversleep now. I am somewhat foggy for several hours after something like this.

Also, the opposite has been happening. I am on HRT and taking estrogen injections. On the day of my injection until about 2 days after I can not sleep. My body just won't allow it. Estrogen dominance has taken over. I am routinely up for 42-46 hours before my body gives in and demands sleep. I sleep 2-3 hours and I am awake. Not feeling replenished as I should and sometimes I feel like I need to be left alone for a long period of time so I don't inadvertently snap at my wife or children.

I'm happy to talk about whatever, AMA.

[lcall]

wow. maybe there are basic bio differences, and one shouldn't try to force oneself into this pattern... (WRT my comment elsewhere here.)

[jason_slack]

I sleep about 2 hours (say 2:30am - 4:30am) and I want a 1 hour nap when my kids go down for a nap. It's not a standard pattern that you might read about, IIRC.