I think the less sleep comes from the meditation. I believe it is common experience with all meditation methods. I and others have even notice a reduction in need when using the paraliminals.
However, I don't think you end up with a net gain of time. It's just the time you spend with meditations is about what you save on during your sleep cycle.
I've recently started rising an hour early to do half an hour of active Qigong exercise and half an hour of meditation. I can't say that I'm the worse for the wear. If fact I quite energetically got up and 5 this morning and quietly snuck down stairs.
Qigong, isn't my only exercise but it will be one that I will always do now. I am interested in the healing aspects, not as a career but to help those I care about.
The opportunities await you need but choose your path,
Iam2 
