A system and method have been provided that permit a mobile station to enter a deep-sleep slotted mode of operation in response to detected patterns of low traffic communications. A record of traffic communications is maintained at either the mobile station, or in the wireless communications network. Analysis of the record indicates whether the mobile station should be operated in the deep-sleep mode. Then, the deep-sleep mode, with a larger period between control messages, is negotiated. In some aspects of the invention, the period between control messages is a function of the likelihood of a traffic communication occurring.