Remember nap time when we were kids? We’d fight it, but there we were, tucked in for that midday rest. Funny how, as adults, we’re told to power through the day without that little slice of rest—almost as if sleep were only for the young. But here’s the thing: the concept of a midday rest isn’t just a childhood relic. It’s a natural part of our biology, and it’s time we reclaim it!

Rediscovering Natural Sleep in an Automated Age

As we transition into a more automated and flexible society, the 9-to-5 grind is becoming less relevant. Many of us now have the freedom to structure our days around our natural rhythms. And guess what that means? The return of the midday sleep! Not a quick 15-30 minute power nap—a sip of sleep when you need a full glass—but a true 1-3 hour rest that lets your body and mind recharge.

I’ve tried those quick naps, and honestly, it feels like being offered just a sip of water when you’re parched. It’s not enough! We need a solid nap that allows us to sink into deeper, rejuvenating sleep stages. It’s not laziness; it’s necessary. Research shows that adults still need 7-8 hours of total sleep, and breaking it into chunks can be just as beneficial as getting it all at once.

Why Reclaiming Midday Rest Isn’t Laziness—It’s Evolution

If we look at pre-industrial societies, humans thrived on flexible sleep patterns. People used to sleep in two shifts or take long naps in the heat of the day, like in Mediterranean cultures where siestas are common. This approach allows our bodies to cycle naturally through different stages of rest and recovery. Studies confirm that biphasic sleep can boost mood, reduce stress, and enhance cognitive function. For neurodivergent individuals, like myself, who thrive on predictable routines and quiet, biphasic sleep offers not one, but two resets in a day—essential for managing energy levels and overstimulation.

A System That Could Change Adult Daycare

One of the flaws in adult daycare systems today is the insistence on constant engagement, discouraging rest and, in turn, amplifying overstimulation. For individuals who are neurodiverse or who manage sensory sensitivities, this can be a challenge. By integrating structured naptime into these environments, we could enhance comfort and productivity while reducing stress. Imagine adult care spaces where deep, restful naps are part of the routine—turning overstimulation into rejuvenation.

Science and the Siesta: Embracing Our Biological Heritage

Biphasic sleep isn’t a sign of laziness. It’s a reminder of our adaptability and resilience. In the industrial era, we were pushed to maintain long, unbroken workdays, but now, with the rise of automation, we have the chance to bring back the nap and balance the demands of modern life with our natural needs .

Taking a true siesta—a superstar, superhero nap—allows us to experience all phases of sleep, enhancing our cognitive and physical well-being. But good sleep hygiene still matters. Avoiding technology for 30 minutes before sleep can make a huge difference. Let’s create the perfect environment for deep rest and embrace a flexible, inclusive approach to our sleep habits.

• Personal Story: As a Boy Scout, one key lesson drilled into us was to always leave the campsite better than we found it. This mindset, taught by Strict Ernie, our meticulous Scoutmaster, has stuck with me. Ernie was a soil scientist, short and stout, always making sure every last scrap was picked up—even if it was just a gum wrapper!

• Episode Goal: Explore how this principle applies not only to nature but to our rapidly evolving technological age.

Section 1: The Scout’s Lesson

• Ernie’s Inspections: We couldn’t leave until Ernie’s campsite check was complete. At the time, it was annoying, but it instilled a mindset of responsibility.

• The Deeper Lesson: Caring for the environment means leaving it better than you found it. This simple rule of respect and stewardship has broader applications today.

Section 2: Applying the Lesson to the Modern World

• Technology’s Role: We’re entering a new era shaped by AI, automation, and rapid technological change. How can we ensure we leave behind a better world?

• Positive Use of Tech: Instead of focusing on the jobs or industries being disrupted, we can look at how technology can protect us and open new opportunities.

• Examples: Remote work with robots in hazardous areas, drones monitoring wildlife, all without risking human life.

Section 3: Redefining Work and Purpose

• Productivity Shift: For centuries, human value has been tied to how many hours we work. Now, as technology takes over, we can redefine what work means.

• New Definition of Success: Instead of tying our worth to productivity, we can measure it by what we contribute to society, the planet, and each other.

• The Big Question: What will we do with more free time? Could we pursue passions, creativity, or simply reconnect with ourselves and nature?

Section 4: Learning to Play Again

• Embrace Curiosity: As adults, we often lose the ability to play and experiment. Just like in my scouting days—when I built tree forts and tables out of fallen branches—tech can give us more time to create, play, and find joy in life.

• Tech as a Tool: We can use new technology to explore hobbies and creativity we may have put on the back burner due to work pressures.

Section 5: Leaving a Better World Behind

• Ernie’s Legacy: Just like Ernie inspected our campsites, we now have a responsibility to inspect and improve the world as we transition to this new technological era. Whether environmentally or socially, we need to leave things better than we found them.

• A Call to Action: Don’t fear technological change—embrace it with purpose. Use this opportunity to contribute positively to the world, for future generations.

Conclusion:

• Final Thoughts: Channel your inner “Strict Ernie”—take responsibility not just for your environment, but for the social and technological systems around you. Make sure you leave them better than you found them.

• Call to Action: Let’s embrace this new era with care, creativity, and a commitment to improving the world for those who follow.

• Remember the Magic of Apps?

• Apps used to be the go-to for everything—organizing tasks, counting steps, even finding pizza on a lonely Friday.

• But apps are outdated now. The future? Personalized GPTs that grow with you, not just as a tool, but as a partner.

• Why Settle for the Middleman?

• Apps act like middlemen, offering solutions for the masses but not personalized for you.

• Creating your own GPT through OpenAI removes the middleman. It’s just you and your GPT, growing together.

• How My GPT Powers My Daily Life

1. Idea Generation on Tap

• Ever get a burst of inspiration but can’t organize it fast enough? My GPT steps in, organizing thoughts into clean outlines, always in sync with my creative flow.

2. Travel Companion with a Twist

• Planning trips? My GPT remembers preferences, like vegan spots and sensory-friendly activities, adjusting based on the trip mood. No app can do that.

3. Therapy for My Busy Brain

• My GPT helps when I’m overwhelmed, pulling up past journal entries or techniques I’ve found useful—like a personalized therapy session on demand.

4. ZeroWasteGPT for Solutions on World Hunger

• I created ZeroWasteGPT, a shared mod aimed at finding ways to feed the world using logistics and advanced food preservation techniques, as introduced in my podcast.

• Think You Can’t Do It? Think Again!

• If you can read this, you can make your own GPT. The hardest part? Clicking “Create.”

• Once you do, the GPT guides you step-by-step, making it easy even if you’re not tech-savvy.

• It’s Your Assistant, Not Your Boss

• Imagine a tumbleweed rolling, gathering all the data, insights, and info you’d need a whole team to gather. That’s what my GPT does for me, but I stay in control, directing the flow.

• The Power of Going Straight to the Source

• OpenAI makes it easy—no need for a tech background or a big company. It’s just me, creating blogs and podcasts with my GPT, skipping middlemen.

• Let’s Make a Picture

• Picture a glowing “Create Your GPT” button with a friendly guide that walks you through the process while a tumbleweed rolls by gathering everything you need—your custom digital assistant.

• Life as a Game, GPT as a Player

• Apps are familiar, but GPT mods are the future. Using a personalized GPT transforms how you live and work, evolving with you. Soon, everyone will say, “There’s a GPT for that.”

• Final Thoughts: Trust Your GPT, Not the Middleman

• Next time you consider downloading an app, why not create your own GPT instead? Hit that create button and let it guide you.

• Website: OpenAI.com

• Closing:

• Stay quirky, stay curious, and as always—stay Oddly Robbie.