My husband was watching the Today show the other day. There was a psychologist on it that said Americans (don't know about Canadians) are averaging 6.1 hours per night, way below the recommened 8 (for most people; individuals vary). Apparently, brain activity falls way off after that. I'm sure swimming performance must too. So
1. How much sleep are people getting?
2. How much sleep would you like to get?
3. How much sleep is conducive to best swim performance?
4. Does lack of sleep effect your performance at practice or a meet?
I think I'm more like Jim. 6-6.5 during the week and 7-7.5 on the weekend unless I'm actually out socializing -- a rare event with my 3 kids and their stuff. I think I would be much jollier if I had 7.5 every night. But I'm a night owl.
Plus, it's my own belief/experience that women in their 40s are often troubled sleepers because of hormones, stress, driving their kids to early am swim practice, etc. Unfortunately, I fall into that category.
I also sleep like crap during meets, especially if I'm travelling. In Augustat Stanford, I asked my husband to set his alarm for 6:30 am to make sure I was up in time to warm up for the 50 free. He forgot to change his watch from east coast time, so I was happily awakened -- for good -- at 3:30 am. I think I would have gone faster without the unintentional sabotage.
I think I'm more like Jim. 6-6.5 during the week and 7-7.5 on the weekend unless I'm actually out socializing -- a rare event with my 3 kids and their stuff. I think I would be much jollier if I had 7.5 every night. But I'm a night owl.
Plus, it's my own belief/experience that women in their 40s are often troubled sleepers because of hormones, stress, driving their kids to early am swim practice, etc. Unfortunately, I fall into that category.
I also sleep like crap during meets, especially if I'm travelling. In Augustat Stanford, I asked my husband to set his alarm for 6:30 am to make sure I was up in time to warm up for the 50 free. He forgot to change his watch from east coast time, so I was happily awakened -- for good -- at 3:30 am. I think I would have gone faster without the unintentional sabotage.
