Sleeping Pills before a race?
#28
Senior Member

Joined: Jun 2014
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From: Ontario, Canada
Bikes: iele Latina, Miele Suprema, Miele Uno LS, Miele Miele Beta, MMTB, Bianchi Model Unknown, Fiori Venezia, Fiori Napoli, VeloSport Adamas AX
Any depressant will affect your performance in a bad way. Depending what/how much you take you might be able to overcome it. But you will be at a disadvantage. But very poor sleep the night before is even worse.
If you must then try to find something with the shortest half life possible, and take the lowest effective dose (and do everything else right, of course).
Hard physical activity will effectively accelerate your metabolism and deleterious effects of Rx with it, however, so long and/or late day races are better than early and short ones.
If you must then try to find something with the shortest half life possible, and take the lowest effective dose (and do everything else right, of course).
Hard physical activity will effectively accelerate your metabolism and deleterious effects of Rx with it, however, so long and/or late day races are better than early and short ones.
Cheers
#29
Senior Member

Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 16,767
Likes: 85
I used to think these zombie threads weren't useful when revived... but really, they are. Or, for the posters having a go about it, maybe they could start a new thread discussing the merits of taking sleeping pills before race day. Because I don't recall seeing one recently.
It might also be classified as bullying a new member who has joined the forums as a result of a search engine inquiry. Great way to scare off new members by reprimanding them when there is a thread already in Road Cycling about whether the forums are dying or not.
As to the subject, I don't and wouldn't take a sleeping aid. In some ways, thinking actively about tomorrow's events can heighten awareness. Many are the randonnees I have started where my sleep the night before has been short-ish or broken, and I've still be awake 200 or 300km later and riding quite strongly.
It might also be classified as bullying a new member who has joined the forums as a result of a search engine inquiry. Great way to scare off new members by reprimanding them when there is a thread already in Road Cycling about whether the forums are dying or not.
As to the subject, I don't and wouldn't take a sleeping aid. In some ways, thinking actively about tomorrow's events can heighten awareness. Many are the randonnees I have started where my sleep the night before has been short-ish or broken, and I've still be awake 200 or 300km later and riding quite strongly.
#30
well hello there

Joined: May 2005
Posts: 15,491
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From: Point Loma, CA
Bikes: Bill Holland (Road-Ti), Fuji Roubaix Pro (back-up), Bike Friday (folder), Co-Motion (tandem) & Trek 750 (hybrid)
I can deal with one sleepless night, even two. But three sleepless nights in a row is my limit.
Under those circumstances I definitely would take a sleeping pill the night before almost any competitive event.
Under those circumstances I definitely would take a sleeping pill the night before almost any competitive event.
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#31
Senior Member
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 1,939
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From: Newport Beach, CA
Bikes: S works Tarmac, Felt TK2 track
Same here, 3 nights no sleep it's time to do something. My spouse who has more serious sleeping problems was advised by 2 MD's to get a marijuana permit. YMMV
#32
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2014
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From: Florida
Bikes: Colnago CLX,GT Karakoram,Giant Revel, Kona Honk_ Tonk
no on the pills, in my opinion. some more races and you'll get over being (as) nervous beforehand. from what i've heard/read physical ability drops very little with a lack of sleep. it's more of the mental concentration that suffers. bike racing doesn't take that mental ability (any cat V races proves that), just be like pavlov's dogs- don't start salavating 'til you hear the bell ring... (and the announcer scream 'one lap to go, one lap to go...')
Gee you must be the ONLY person that has had a hard time sleeping the night before a big race.
Don't sweat it, it won't affect your performance. If you're in shape you'll do fine, if you're not in shape, then the extra few hours of sleep ain't gonna help you anyway !
jw
Don't sweat it, it won't affect your performance. If you're in shape you'll do fine, if you're not in shape, then the extra few hours of sleep ain't gonna help you anyway !
jw





