In 2011 he participated in the Epic 5 in Hawaii, a non-competitive event where only athletes chosen by the organization participated. Finished first in four of the five stages that make up the Epic 5
PROJECT: SLEEP STUDY FOR BETTER SPORTS PERFORMANCE
PROJECT MANAGEMENT: CARLA ESTIVILL DOMÈNECH AND EDUARD ESTIVILL SANCHO.
INTRODUCTION
Sports performance is mainly based on training, but other factors such as physical recovery, psychological preparation, nutrition and rest are also important.
Adequate sleep plays an important role in athletic performance, physical, physiological and metabolic recovery, as well as cognitive and mood. But in general, sports disciplines lead to a degradation of rest, due to lack of sleep, poor quality of rest and deterioration of circadian rhythms.
Extreme situations are ultra-endurance races. Environmental factors (noise, food, stress, anxiety, etc.) and above all fatigue after each event, put the athlete at the limit of his endurance, sleeping few hours, in poor conditions, and surely without being able to rest due to physical exhaustion. Contrary to popular belief, great physical exertion does not mean better sleep. On the contrary, all ultra-endurance athletes report leg jerks during sleep, which cause shallow and unrefreshing sleep. These are called myoclonus, the result of possible ruptures of muscle fibers.
Lack of rest, therefore, will be an added wear and tear that will affect recovery, emotional state, and athletic performance throughout the race. Therefore, the sleep management of the participants and their teams is crucial and differential in order to maintain maximum performance and maintain sufficient rest for the physiological demand during the race.
OBJECTIVE
In the present study, the sleep, circadian rhythms and neurocognitive state of an ultra-distance runner, Josef Ajram, will be studied for his next challenges. Your basal sleep conditions will be studied, as well as the conditions during the race. Finally, a sleep plan will be made for the preparation of the race and its adaptation to the established sleep patterns and schedules will be studied.
BASAL SLEEP STUDY
1-Prior consultation with Dr. Estivill, to take a medical history and explanations about sleep and sleep quality. Subsequently, visit with Dra. Carla Estivill, director of the project, to inform him of the different steps to be taken.
2- It will be performed: Polysomnography (1 NIGHT)
3- Study of Circadian Rhythms ( Kronowise chronobiology SENSORS), for 7 consecutive days.
4- Attention, concentration and mood questionnaires (CMS, POMS, TMT).
Based on the results, problems, if any, will be addressed.
SLEEP STUDY IN TRAINING RACES
During several previous races will be performed: STUDY Circadian rhythms(SENSORS chronobiology) throughout the race and Daily questionnaires once the stage is finished. (CMS, POMS, TMT.)
The results will be analyzed for possible improvements in terms of sleep hours, optimal training schedules, stress management, or possible fatigue load. Also the possible occurrence of myoclonus (spasms or twitching in the legs) after the stages. 3.
SLEEP PLAN FOR ULTRA TESTS
A sleep plan and recommendations for rest management during the race will be made. Also a follow-up through the study of their circadian rhythms(SENSORS Chronobiology and CMS Questionnaires, TMT).
