Well, I just knew it would have to happen — I had to sleep all night to be lucid for an important meeting today... Don't think this means I'm giving up! I still have hopes that I'll get this thing down, but I may have to wait a while... Argh.
This reminds me of when I started learning the dvorak keyboard layout, which is what I've used for years now. I was in college, so I had to constantly go back to typing in qwerty for papers and programs I was working on... Finally, I got to a point where I could get real work done in dvorak, albeit very slowly... So I made the jump at that point.
Unfortunately, when it comes to interviews and such, I doubt I can make the impression I want without a full night of sleep... I'll try to start again tonight, and see how far I get... :)
I'm still plugging away on the Dvorak layout. I'll probably have you and Paul to thank for it, since everyone knows me as the dumbass with a fucked up keyboard.
Haven't had a single RSI injury though, even with horrible typing posture.
Haha... ;)
I switched my keyboard in college for a while... dunno if you remember that, but eventually I just changed it back since yuki was using my machine so much.
I it helps a bit in the learning stage, but after that, there's really no reason to have anything on the letter keys... ;)
Posted by: Trevor Hill at October 22, 2002 02:30 PM
Hey Trevor,
I don't know if you check old posts and such, but since this is directly related to the sleeping pattern scheme which you abborted and mentioned here. I spoke with Paul sereval times about this and it seems plausible and I have been, and am, tempted to try it (it: I can't remember the name, and I'm pretty sure you stated it in the preceding post, but I'm lazy). So this evening I was having a conversation with an Indian professor who, it seems, works unknowingly under a very similar schedule as the 'it' sleep schedule. I think you probably know that I'm in Osaka, and the professor doesn't speak Nihongo, so we had some time to talk.
First off he has used the sleeping 'system' for a good majority of his academic carreer, which began prior to 1977, when he got his phd (yeah, I wasn't born yet). The only period when he said he slept like 'normal people' was during some of the teen years of his three kids, when his lifestyle really didn't suit such a daily schedule. He is currently sleeping about (a rough estimate here since I didn't want to interigate the guy) 5 hours a day. This isn't that much less than most people, however the total amount betrays the schedule that accumulates it.
Right, so to the point, a rough outline of his rest schedule. But off the point for another moment hehe, please note the use of rest here rather than sleep. He said that sometimes he doesn't or can't sleep, so he rests, often lying flat on the floor, relaxing (both mentally and physically) or doing some light stretches. Sounds a bit to me like some mild meditation.
OK, so back on point. His suggestion to me, based on his schedule, was to sleep early, around 9pm and wake up at midnight. He said sometimes it helps to sleep in a slightly akward situation, such as laying on his bed, but with his feet propped up on a chair next to the bed. From midnight to about 4 he works. He then rests again for an indeterminate time, but setting an alarm for about 2 hours time. Usually he finds himself only sleeping for 1-1.5 hours. On occasion though, he will sleep until 10 or so if he is unrested, "don't deny your body rest" he stated. During the day if he feels tired he will take 10 minutes for rest or sleep, but no more, and usually does not need to, being able to spend the waking day much as everyone else does.
So the general sense from the discussion and some other details from our conversation suggests that this is a very dynamic and personal thing. His resting pattern has changed over time, during periods of high work demand (less sleep) and is very flexible. The sleep system I discussed with Paul, and you have tried appears to be very rigid and impersonal. It may be that some experimentation is in order to develop a system which fits well with your body. Two other more subtle factors which I think may significantly contribute are meditation and accomplishment-drive. Meditation I don't know too much about, although with a little probing, I don't think he did either. But I think that it could help relax and rest the mind. The drive to accomplish things, regardless of what, gives him something to do with his time that provide some fulfillment and stimulus.
Well thats most of what I was thinkin about on that one. Hopefully you will run across this thing some time. I don't really know much about blogs.
Last thing of note: this was all written in Dvorac. I have never before in my life typed as well as I do now. However I feel like an idiot when I step up to a qwerty machine and fire up the old hunt and peck reflexes. I think I could learn qwerty if I could remove the keys from the keyboard. There is just too much of a subconscious reaction to look at the keyboard. I find myself concentrating more on 'don't look, don't look, don't look' rather than thinking and feeling where the key should be. Oh well.
I hope all is swell for you and Yuki in DC, and that your law apps go well. Take care.
Matt
Posted by: mstadler at November 27, 2002 07:51 AM
Posted by: sahala s at October 20, 2002 06:53 AM