[UK-CONTEST] Sleep Deprivation Methods etc

[GU4YOX]

Dear All

 

I find this subject particularly interesting as I'm sure we all would wish
to be able to stay awake and alert for as long as is necessary to capitalise
on band openings and propagation possibilities etc during a marathon
contest. However, this weekend in my 40M entry, which was not unlike my 160M
efforts except that the openings were longer with the band becoming
localised between say 10.00 and 14.00z. Indeed, this was the time when I got
some sleep on Saturday and Sunday after a good lunch to get the blood/sugar
levels to an acceptable level to make me feel ready to go to sleep. (A glass
of YOX homebrew additionally helps of course!). But I did manage an early
evening kip on the Friday (3 hours) after a somewhat busy week at work. I
felt comfortable with this as I was ready to "go" from Thursday and there
being no strong winds predicted and I managed to get everything in position
well in time.

 

I do not believe I am the best person to be able to stay up for 48 hours,
but I would like to be able to. So how can one achieve this? I've trawled
the web and there are several pointers in the way we manage our sleep
patterns primarily, and how to manage your own before a 48 hour session.
Diet is also particularly important along with other environmental
considerations in the shack. For example, temperature and lighting
conditions. There are also techniques of standing up operating for periods
to keep the blood circulating in those sedentary areas that need attention!
Here is a link for ARRL Emergency Operators that may need to be alert for
periods approaching 48 hours and may be of interest:

 

 http://pgh-net.com/oes/operating-for-48-hours-straight.html

 

For those of a medical nature and who wish to understand the ins and outs of
cerebrospinal fluid imbalances 

(Full frontal lobotomy? I'd rather have a "Full-bottle-in-front-of-me") Then
this link is for you:

 

http://serendip.brynmawr.edu/bb/neuro/neuro01/web3/Ledoux.html

 

But on a serious note, diet and sleep preparation appear to be the key to
staying the full 48 hours, along with ones physical fitness state. I will
look further into dietary issues and report back with that "ideal
preparation menu" for the week before a contest marathon. 

 

Any menu suggestions welcome...

 

73

 

Bob 

GU4YOX

 

 

 

 

 

 

Pub and mates