Changes

=== 3.5h core ===

=== 3.5h core ===

[[File:Slightly longer core.png|thumb|E3 with a 3.5h core|alt=]]

[[File:Slightly longer core.png|thumb|E3 with a 3.5h core|alt=]]

Nowadays, this core length has been '''more commonly used''' for an E3 adaptation rather than the 3h core. The total sleep is similar to [[Triphasic]], hovering around a more comfortable sleep total for experienced or highly motivated attempters. The same principles that apply to the 3h core also apply to a 3.5h core. The core sleep should not start any later than 10-10:30 PM, to retain sufficient amount of SWS. If all SWS has been accounted for, the +30m from 3-3.5h mark can give more light sleep or REM sleep, to match personal REM baseline more comfortably. This is also a core duration that is popularly used in [[Segmented]] sleep and scheduled in the SWS peak for the same purpose. The naps are scheduled in a similar manner. It ''may'' be possible to '''gradually''' '''transition from Segmented sleep''' (with a 3.5h first core), a scheme proposed by '''[[Polyphasic Society]]''' to get to E3, but it is unknown if anyone has been able to pull this off.  

The same principles that apply to the 3h core also apply to a 3.5h core. The core sleep still should start by 22-23 to retain a sufficient amount of SWS. If all SWS has been accounted for, the additional 30 minutes will provide REM and/or light sleep, which may help with either gaining enough REM or sustaining wakefulness. This is also a core duration that is popularly used in [[Segmented]] sleep and scheduled in the SWS peak for the same purpose. The naps should be placed in the same way as the standard schedule.

The benefits of this variant is the '''flexibility''' of the core sleep after adaptation (~15-30m earlier or later than the original time should be realistic), and the flexibility of the last nap, or the second nap as well. Contrary to other polyphasic schedules with 4-4.5h total sleep, this 3.5h core version seems to be the most flexible. However, adaptation remains very punishing for any oversleeps as long as ~1h at least. The exhausting process of repartitioning will also ramp up around the second or third week. Those who want to start a first polyphasic adaptation should aim for this variant to stay at a safer amount of total sleep, and a somewhat milder adaptation than the original version.  

The benefits of this variant is the flexibility of the naps and cores. Out of all polyphasic schedules with 4-4.5h total sleep ("Hard" and "Very Hard" category), this schedule is the most flexible.  

 

However, adaptation remains difficult, and the exhausting process of repartitioning will cover the second or third week. Beginners aiming for this variant should start at a safer amount of total sleep, such as with [[E2]] or the [[#Extended|extended]] variant.

=== Extended ===

=== Extended ===