Sleep strategy

Once you race longer than 24h a sleep strategy becomes important.

So, how do you determine the strategy that’s right for you? Here are some tips & tricks.

1. Set your guidelines before the race.

Don’t try to come up with them when you’re already sleepwalking.

2. Don’t force yourself on a “sleep schedule”.

If your hardest moment is at 11PM, don’t wait until the “scheduled” 3AM aid station nap. Just take a nap at the aid station closest to 11PM.

3. Experiment with micro sleeps.

We’re used to thinking we need “hours of sleep” to feel refreshed. But often a 7min microsleep is all we need.

So, instead of “sleep 2 hours on aid station 6”, say “IF, I decide to sleep at an aid station, it will be for no longer than 1 hour.” Or “IF I become tired outside an aid station, I will set my alarm at 7 minutes for a microsleep.”

Keep in mind sleep strategy is something we don’t get to practice often. So, give yourself time to practice getting better at your sleep strategy.