Go to bed

Quality sleep is one of the most important, yet often neglected, aspects of triathlon training. It is the time where that nasty stress hormone cortisol finally stops getting produced, human growth hormone is released and your body repairs itself.  It can definitely be difficult to get enough of the shut eye with work, family and a dedicated training schedule – but a few tricks can help you fall asleep easier at night. First, turn down the lights. Circadian rythms respond to light levels and you can get your body prepared for bed (release melatonin) with low light like candle light. Light stretching or yoga before bed (with some quality diaphragm breathing, and poses where your head is below your heart) can also help you relax. A warm drink like herbal sleepy tea and some soothing music can also work wonders. If you are lying in bed and your thoughts are spinning imagine putting them in a box, closing the lid and putting the box away – under your bed.  Sweet dreams.