Michael, thanks for your reply and interesting observations. You will note, however, that I said 'for most circumstances' and that certainly does not apply in the applications you mentioned as most folks don't go to that extreme. Ordinarily (please note) REM sleep occurs after approximately 2 hours of normal sleep.

Yes, I'm back to myself again. Could not answer before...couldn't think...too much pain...etc. I'm out of the hospital (finally!), on meds that confuse me still at times, but doing much better. Don't know who cares (if anyone) but just FYI. If you ever want to avoid sleeping, just check in to a hospital...every 15 minutes night and day check this, check that.

Sandi Bowman