Intermittent detection during analytical reactions

A method of performing a nucleic acid sequencing reaction, comprising:

• a) preparing a reaction mixture comprising components of the nucleic acid sequencing reaction including a polynucleotide to be sequenced;
• b) initiating the nucleic acid sequencing reaction in the reaction mixture to begin progression of the nucleic acid sequencing reaction, wherein the nucleic acid sequencing reaction is initiated during a first non-illuminated period;
• and
• c) maintaining conditions that allow the nucleic acid sequencing reaction to proceed while subjecting the reaction mixture to at least one illuminated period following said non-illuminated period, wherein illumination data is collected during at least one illuminated period, thereby performing the nucleic acid sequencing reaction.