Power reduction in computing devices using micro-sleep intervals

The present invention relates generally to the reduction in the power consumption of computing systems. Short duration micro-sleep or nap periods reduce the power consumption of a computing device. In use, the computing device determines a first duration to a next expected event in the computing device, and compares the first duration to a minimum micro-sleep duration. If the first duration is greater than or equal to the minimum duration, then the processor enters a processor sleep state for a sleep duration. The processor then wakes up and returns to a running state at the end of the sleep duration and before the next expected event. This permits the use of a low-power sleep state while giving the appearance that the computing device is functional. As an additional requirement before entering micro-sleep, the current or recent processor load may be evaluated to determine whether a micro-sleep interval is appropriate.