Which statement describes the average sleep on the 4 on 8 off schedule?

Which statement describes the average sleep on the 4 on 8 off schedule?

• A. 6.6 hours
• B. 5.5 hours
• C. 7.5 hours
• D. 8 hours

Answer: (A)

This question tests how to convert a watch pattern into an average daily sleep total. On a 4 on/8 off schedule you work for four hours, then have eight hours off, and this repeats. In a 24-hour day there are two off blocks when sleep could occur, but you don’t sleep the entire off time—time is also spent on meals, personal care, and winding down. If you average about 3.3 hours of sleep during each off block, you get 2 × 3.3 = 6.6 hours of sleep per day. That’s why 6.6 hours is the best answer. Eight hours would imply sleeping all off time, which isn’t realistic; 5.5 or 7.5 hours would require different sleep amounts per off block than the typical estimate used for this schedule.

This question tests how to convert a watch pattern into an average daily sleep total. On a 4 on/8 off schedule you work for four hours, then have eight hours off, and this repeats. In a 24-hour day there are two off blocks when sleep could occur, but you don’t sleep the entire off time—time is also spent on meals, personal care, and winding down. If you average about 3.3 hours of sleep during each off block, you get 2 × 3.3 = 6.6 hours of sleep per day. That’s why 6.6 hours is the best answer.

Eight hours would imply sleeping all off time, which isn’t realistic; 5.5 or 7.5 hours would require different sleep amounts per off block than the typical estimate used for this schedule.