Humans were not 'meant' to sleep in any particular way, it is down to neccesity.

Earlier in our existence we slept for small periods of time because it was advantageous to our lifestyles, and that is also why we sleep longer these days, it is just what works best.

is there any evidence that we used to sleep in polyphasic patterns? This is new info to me, but I do know that biologically we still adhere to a 24 hour night-day rhythm, even in the absence of physical stimuli. So what I'm saying is, I'm very doubtful that humans ever slept like this, unless consciously done so.

That being said, I also know that the first settling europeans had what they called "second sleep" during the winter, where they would wake up at one point in the night for a few hours, do things by candlelight, then go back to bed. This was a direct result of shorter days, however, so it was still a response to circadian rhythm.

I would imagine that the very earliest modern humans already had that instinct or whatever it is to sleep at night, as humans are basically ineffective in the dark anyway, but we also would have been in the food chain back then, and when you're in the food chain you sleep when you can, not when you want.

So yeah, it would have had to have been a concsious decision because it worked for the circumstance. It is in our nature to sleep at night, and I am pretty sure it always has been.

i like that idea....will try. i sleep too much

So no evidence. I don't think any of ancient man's predators were nocturnal either. Not to mention, it's not like ancient man was out in the open at all times. I'm still pretty convinced that this style of sleep was never utilized or necessary.

Oh so basically hobo life

Exactly.. & those fuckers have it made

I dunno, I can't get thru a day w/out caffeine & other stimulants, even w/ 8 full hours of sleep.. I tend to just zone out & lag unproductively

When I break up my sleep cycle into multiple phases, I wake up more refreshed & ready to go, like my brain's already in gear

I don't think it's a sustainable way to sleep, but it works like Friday thru Monday for me

read more into sleep cycles, certain people have like i think it's called the re2 gene where they only need 6 hours maybe even less in 24 to function at 110%. certain cycles can boost cognitive ability as well depending on what kind of person/sleeper you are @Outlaw

If you read something that suggested anyone can do anything at 110%, you probably need to find better sources.

lol