Scientifically, is it possible to beat sleep safely? (I am not talking about Caffeine)?

Theres a new type of drug that will be coming out soon that supposedly does this. Its different from things like caffeine and amphetamines, it does not produce 'jitters'. They say its very safe. They're called Ampakines.

I'm very interested to see how this turns out... really it could change the world if people could avoid sleep with no unpleasant side-effects.

Not at this time. I'm sure some folks somewhere are working on that very thing however. In the Army as a paratrooper we were subjected to long periods of time without sleep, using amphetamines. The body will only handle so much before it shuts down. Maybe one day future it will occur, but you know what, I enjoy my 5 hours of sleep a night.

Things to improve the quality of your sleep:

Cut down on coffee, alcohol and other stimulants.

Keep a regular schedule.

Try some light exercise earlier in the day.

Spend some quiet time before you go to bed.

Decrease stress at bedtime.

No TV or eating 2 hours before bedtime.

Doing these things will increase the reviltilzing quality of your sleep. Also try gradually making your wake up time earlier and earlier. Don't adjust your bedtime. Your body will acclimate to less sleep.

One of the most important effects of sleep is memory retention and consolidation.

The amount of time an individual can function and perform normally depends upon the make-up of the individual, but eventually everyone becomes prone to the effects of sleep deprivation.

There is no "subsitute" for sleep, just as there is no substitute for water and oxygen. While sleep is not an element or a compound, it is the time when we recharge our batteries, and our mind, our bodies, would break down without it.

Beating sleep is not a good habit at all. There is no therapy which can replace the advantages of sleeping.

why would you want to beat sleep, sleep is the only purpose of life, I sleep 17 hours a day, I'm serious, and I love it!

after 10 consecutive days without sleep your body will officially give out, resulting in death.

Not that I know of.