> As for the spiritually developed needing less sleep - I think that could be a clue to
> sleeps nature to some extent.
indeed it is...
> Maybe its the effort of consciousness 'directed outwards' that leads to it needing to
> sink in, whereas meditation and the like leads to consciousness being more inwwardly
> grounded and possibly this requires less effort in comparison with projecting outwards.
To me outwards means lower frequencies and inwards higher frequency! Note that the sleep EM brain wave activity indeed suggests higher activity at night during sleep/dream state of mind.
In terms of consciousness, I don't think that we share the same definition! For example, I really don't know what you mean by "inward consciousness"!? One is by definition unconscious when one is sleeping...
It is true that many do remember their dreams or some parts of their dreams, but that is certainly not a conscious activity!
> Or possibly whatever the role of deep sleep and REM plays is instead fulfilled more
> completely in the waking state.
IMHO, the role of sleep seems to be a role synchronization with time-space! Many experiments have already been done with people that don't have too much sleep and they, for example, will drive as bad as drunk drivers...
> I'm not sure about the idea that its to do with "conscious control of their brain wave
> activity" as such, but its definitely common for people who practice contemplation
> regularly or become adept at meditation to find they need less sleep.
Yes, I know a guy who does exactly that and who chose floatation instead of sleep, yet, he now exists in some sort of an idealistic state of mind that seems to me very much out of sync with the rest of the reality around him!!!
He is very creative now, but very much out of sync with reality!!!
> But until someone works out why we need sleep, its all just speculation around a real
> mystery.
I don't see it as a mystery at all, but more like an integral part of one's life cycle. But, I do agree that a lot more regarding sleep is needed since on average, most people spend 33% of their lives in that state of mind!!!
-wirelessguru1
