Posted by Todd (216.199.5.21) on January 18, 2000 at 23:12:46:
In Reply to: Here's the right link... damn frames.. posted by Q on January 18, 2000 at 22:50:42:
Bill,
Several thoughts come to mind after reading these articles.
First, Dr. Stampi recommends 'many, brief naps' keyed to the individual's personal requirements. How could the 'typical' clusterhead who is trying to hold down a job manage this? Most of the examples cited talked about napping at several points during the day. Though I have a wonderful work situation, I think telling them I need to nap three or four times between 2 - 4 pm could be difficult.
Next, Dr. Stampi mentioned (in Section 2, I believe) that sleep deprivation does build up especically with respect to the REM phase. Although mostly anecdotal, there seems to be a strong correlation between REM and the onset of a mid-sleep cluster. See posts from margi, garyg, et.al. about Dramamine/Gravol. How would you propose dealing with this aspect of sleep patterns?
Next, Dr. Stampi made the comment that during stressful periods, sleep is an even stronger requirement. It seems that a cycle (be it episodic or chronic) is an extremely stressful period, thereby requiring more, longer and deeper sleep.
Finally, I was intrigued by the doc's comment that sleep deprivation leads to a magnesium (among other uncited chemical changes) imbalance, which makes reasoning and even simple tasks more difficult, and coping more of a challenge. Has anyone tried magnesium supplements during a cycle, and if so, what might you add?
KTSSU,
T