Neurobehavioral functions and sleep architecture during polyphasic and monophasic short sleep schedules.

Sleep·May 12, 2026·PMID 41641962

Why it matters

Polyphasic sleep schedules like the Uberman are sometimes promoted as a way to maintain performance with minimal sleep, but this study provides direct evidence that they severely degrade sleep quality and neurobehavioral function compared to even a single consolidated short sleep period. Pain specialists should be aware that patients attempting such schedules may present with worsened cognitive function and mood, which can affect pain perception and treatment engagement.