I've thought a lot about polyphasic sleep but in the end decided it wasn't for me -- too exhausting to have my mind running like that all the time (and this was the feedback I got from most polyphasics I spoke with).
However, I do need 1 - 3 nights per month were I pull an "all nighter" and sleep very little, and it gives me a huge cognitive and perspective boost -- I highly recommend this for those seeking to shake up their sleep cycle. Typically I would just stay up all night then crash about 4 hours earlier the next day.
For reference, I'm a slim 31 years old white male.
Biphasic sleep is what I role with after learning about it here on HN a few years ago. I really enjoy reading / learning late at night / early morning. Yet I can't sustain early morning exercise and other things like that after staying up til 1-2am every night. Going to sleep shortly after dinner and waking up around midnight for a few hours reading / coding / learning has really helped me get my shit together.
In fact, come to think of it, biphasic sleep was what got me into early morning running. One morning I woke a bit late and worked a bit too long, so instead of only getting a couple more hours I decided to ride it out and go for a run at 5am. Probably a huge turning point in my life and I didn't really think much of it.
However, I do need 1 - 3 nights per month were I pull an "all nighter" and sleep very little, and it gives me a huge cognitive and perspective boost -- I highly recommend this for those seeking to shake up their sleep cycle. Typically I would just stay up all night then crash about 4 hours earlier the next day.
For reference, I'm a slim 31 years old white male.