Scott Alexander discusses his brain's arbitrary division of sleep into 'sleep mode' and 'nap mode', which interferes with establishing a normal sleep schedule, and asks for others' experiences and solutions. Longer summary

Scott Alexander describes a peculiar sleep pattern he experiences, where his brain distinguishes between 'sleep mode' and 'nap mode' based on the time he tries to fall asleep. Sleep attempts after 1 AM result in longer, groggier sleep periods, while attempts before 1 AM lead to shorter, more refreshing naps. This pattern interferes with his attempts to establish a normal sleep schedule and is incompatible with standard work hours. He shares his experiences with various sleep aids and techniques, noting their limited effectiveness in addressing this specific issue. Scott asks if others have experienced similar patterns and if they've found solutions. Shorter summary