1. An operating system method of conserving energy, comprising: determining when the operating system can enter a low power mode; calculating a preferred wake up time when the operating system can enter a low power mode; sending the calculated preferred wake up time to a synchronizing agent; computing in the synchronizing agent a minimum wake-time value that is greater than or equal to the preferred wake up time; receiving the minimum wake-time value from the synchronizing agent; computing a delay associated with the difference between the preferred wake up time and the minimum wake-time; informing the synchronizing agent if the delay is acceptable to the operating system's functional performance; setting a wake time of the operating system to the minimum wake-up time if the delay is acceptable to the operating system's functional performance; and entering a low power mode for the minimum wake-up time.