A method and apparatus for conserving power in a mesh point in which in response to the mesh point participating in mesh activity while in an awake mode, the mesh point continues in the awake mode for a first awake time period. In response to the first awake time period expiring without the mesh point participating in the mesh activity, the mesh point is operated in a low power mode for a first sleep time period. In response to the first sleep time period expiring, the mesh point is operated in the awake mode for a second awake time period to detect additional mesh activity. And in response to the second awake time period expiring without detecting the additional mesh activity, the mesh point is operated point in the low power mode for a second sleep time period.