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Re: (meteorobs) sleep/meteor observing
G Zay writes on 10/27/96 at 12:31pm:
If you want to do any of this sleep study ....
I was half-heartily kidding. Don't know who would pay for that kind of
study. I have done field (EEG) sleep studies before, though. On
interstate truck drivers (in both St Louis and in Montrael). It was quite
amazing to obtain EVIDENCE that these guys were technically sleeping (i.e.
periods of brief sleep episodes) WHILST driving a big-rig 60+ mph down the
interstate! Anyway, I'll do some fact-finding and consulting with
colleagues this next week re: the problem (and solution) to maximizing ones
alertness overnite.
A napping stratagy may or may not work for most observers. The thing is
that for a planned 1-night observation, adaptation may be difficult.
The human system has much trouble with that kind of radical and quick shift
in sleep/wake pattern and boiological rhythm. However, I am interested
in the idea of, say, a pre-planned multiple day observation. In this case,
one can most definitely instigate prepatory counter-measures to shift the
body clock and sleep/wake schedule such that, when the meteor observing
commences, you have optimal alertness.
Just came across an article in SLEEP (THE Sleep research journal, pub'ed
out of Stanford) from 1993:
Akerstedt T, Hume K, Minors D & Waterhouse. Regulation of Sleep and Naps
on an Irregular Schedule. SLEEP 16(8):736-743.
I will read this thoroughly and see if I can glean anything useful from
it. The problem with a napping stratagy is that most people don't know WHEN
to take one. For a nap to really be 'functional', it must be correctly
placed within the 24-hr clock. For example, I know of 4 recent studies that
clearly demonstrate naps don't help much when placed at the wrong time
of day. Reason: Circadian rhythmicity strongly interferes with attempted
sleep. Result: Lack of the restorative power of the nap.
Anyway, yes, I lovethe ZAY observatory and yes I will be looking forward
to meeting you in November. haven't made formal obs plans but will do so
soo.
Joseph