At this point, I'd be VERY careful about the Uberman sleep schedule, until we learn more about the association between sleep deprivation and Amyloid-Beta buildups (and how we can increase the clearance of amyloid-beta).
http://www.sciencemag.org/content/326/5955/1005.abstract
http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/165421.php
Amyloid-β (Aβ) accumulation in the brain extracellular space is a hallmark of Alzheimer’s disease. The factors regulating this process are only partly understood. Aβ aggregation is a concentration-dependent process that is likely responsive to changes in brain interstitial fluid (ISF) levels of Aβ. Using in vivo microdialysis in mice, we found that the amount of ISF Aβ correlated with wakefulness. The amount of ISF Aβ also significantly increased during acute sleep deprivation and during orexin infusion, but decreased with infusion of a dual orexin receptor antagonist. Chronic sleep restriction significantly increased, and a dual orexin receptor antagonist decreased, Aβ plaque formation in amyloid precursor protein transgenic mice. Thus, the sleep-wake cycle and orexin may play a role in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer’s disease.
Mouse studies are not worth the paper they are printed on; compared to other, human, issues with polyphasic sleep, those studies are of epsilon interest.
My friend and I are starting the Uberman sleep schedule (six 20-minute naps spread evenly throughout each day) tonight. Have other lesswrongians experimented with alternate sleep schedules? Are any of you qualified medical experts who can give input or advice? Success stories and failure stories would both be appreciated, and I'll keep you guys posted on our progress.