Imagine that there exists a drug that replaces sleep. When you're tired, you can take this drug and will feel exactly as you do in the morning after sleeping for however many hours you need. Your muscles heal, your mind reorganizes itself.... whatever else happens in your sleep is accomplished by taking this drug.

The only difference is that you don't actually have to lie down and sleep. You don't remember any dreams because you didn't have any. You don't feel as though any time has passed because it hasn't.

Here is the question in mind. If this drug existed, could you really take it to replace sleep?

When I think about it, it seems that there must still be some problem, although I'm not sure what it is. It's almost like I'd just be sick of thinking consciously and living in the world and need to feel as though I've been away from it for a while.. I'm very tired now, but if I suddenly weren't tired anymore and felt alert, I'd still be exhausted, even bored, of living my waking life. I'd wish that I were tired again.

If others agree, what are the implications? Why does it feel so wrong to imagine taking a drug instead of sleeping? Is it only because we're so used to sleeping that we can't properly imagine being okay without it? Or is there some reason that we need the time to have elapsed?

I wasn't sure where to post this and I apologize if I posted it in the wrong place. I considered The Lounge, ED, Philosophy, Sleep and Health, and General Dreaming Discussion, and none seemed right for it.