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?
"Apparently, brain activity falls way off after that."
I know some folks who definitely fall into this category even with plenty of sleep.:snore:
Anyway, weeknights I average around 6-6.5 making up for lack of it on weekends when I usally get 7-7.5'ish with a nap during the day (both days if possible). I make a point of upping the amount of sleep the week leading up to major competition events. I've noticed negative impact to results due to sleep deprivation at meets if I go into it without compensating.
It's got to be 8 or more over the long haul. At a competition, I can get by on almost nothing for 3-4 days.
Jim: didn't I see you catching one of your naps right before the 800 in Walnut Creek last weekend?
-- mel
There's usually too much excitement going on at a meet to sneak in a nap. I went out to my car to try and was not successful. It was too warm and noisy from the playground.
It was nice meeting and chatting with you. Hope your trip back was pleasant.
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 know that 99% of people who reply to this will say, "Oh no! I only need 5 hours to function at my peak! Only lazy people/wusses need less than that. These so called scientists don't know what they're talking about."
If I get 8 I'm ok. 8.5 is best. 7 three nights in a row will leave me dragging. And yes, it affects my athletic and mental performance negatively when I get less, as well as my mood. I actually get about 7.5 - 8.
i sleep about 7-8 hours a night. Before a meet, I need at least that to function, however I still can function on six hours, but I will definitely need a nap (which I usually take anyway if I can) between prelims and finals. Optimal is 8 or 9 hours of sleep to be completely fresh and well rested. Sleeping anything more than 9 is too much and I'd be too groggy.
It's got to be 8 or more over the long haul. At a competition, I can get by on almost nothing for 3-4 days.
Jim: didn't I see you catching one of your naps right before the 800 in Walnut Creek last weekend?
-- mel
My boss always tells me that there will be plenty of time to sleep when I'm dead. Of course, he is also the one who tells me the best medicine for the common cold is work....good times!
I generally get about 6-7 hours of sleep and I don't really feel that it is enough. With 2 kids it's awfully difficult to go to bed early and wake up late.
Syndey:
At least no one so far has been ballsy enough to claim they only need 5 hours of sleep and the rest of us are wusses. Not me, I know I'm only getting 5 hours tonight because I have to get up early to travel, and I'm already grumpy and tired. :snore:
