TEN HOURS of sleep delivers optimal performance.

Ten hours seems excessive if you're not a professional athlete.

That Zeo device does sound pretty cool.

Anyone know someone who has tried it?

I bought Tom one for his birthday, and he loves it.

Now for a harder question. Worth buying now, or wait for the next generation?

Sleep is good:

http://www.bakadesuyo.com/should-you-go-back-to-bed

People who REALLY don't need much sleep are quite rare and not normal:

http://www.bakadesuyo.com/do-some-people-only-need-a-few-hours-of-sleep

There is one advantage to being tired, though:

http://www.bakadesuyo.com/are-you-most-creative-when-were-exhausted

If someone is not a professional athlete, how much sleep does s/he really need?

7-8hrs. Naps are pretty amazing too:

http://www.bakadesuyo.com/whats-a-fun-way-to-increase-alertness-and-per

7 I can do.

10 is too much. It leaves no time for anything but work and sleep.

I was under the impression that naps were bad for the fact that it will interrupt your sleep cycle at night. I think the best preparation before a race day is a huge meal, 7-8 hours of sleep and to be hydrated.

Interrupting night sleep cycle is only an issue if naps are too long or too late in the day.