Hey JDA!!! I'll try to take a stab at this, because I've had/have some issues sleeping. Much better than before my ADD DX though. I believe the first thing to sort out (Weekends are perfect for this) Is to find the dose that gets you through a night without Really waking up. I used to take Lunesta, it really helped and had no groggy side effects for me. There may also be some Extended Release sleep aid for you. Tweaking the meds is a real pain in the assets

Once you find the amount to get you through the night, then take note of how long after taking the med you feel sleepy. So when school starts, you can plan on When to take it based on your day and next day. I know it is hard with todays crazy HS schedules (My DD#1 is a sophmore in all advanced classes, band and choir) and these split schedules take some planning.

Regarding naps... I would avoid them for now if you can, because they add a variable into your calculation of when you will get tired.

Varying/staggering/skipping doses depend on what you take. Some meds have to build up in your system, like anti-depressants and you should stay consistent on those meds. Others are quick acting, like Adderall and you can vary (to some degree) the daily amounts and dosage times. Ask the doc to be sure.

It sounds to me like you have the "Slide Show" I've refered to at bedtime (SUCKS), so your other post mentioned you felt like the med slowed the mind down. It should but it does feel weird when something is "Forcing" you to do something. It takes a little getting used to

You are Not pathetic or clueless JDA! You are doing something about things in your life. THIS is Good!!!!