Competing in different time zones

smiley1

smiley1

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Vancouver Island lady
I usually sleep ok before competing. This summer when I went to IPSC nationals the time zone was 3 hrs. earlier then I was used to. I went to the east coast a couple days sooner then I was to compete but found out trying to sleep 3 hrs. early and going to bed much earlier then I was accustomed to just didn't work! I felt like a zombie all week, hardly able to sleep and my shooting sucked!

How do you prepare for time differences when competing? Do early/later differences matter much to you? I tend to be more of a night owl then an early bird.
 
In all seriousness, the prescription for jetlag is unfortunately time.
One day per hour difference, start trying to live the new time zone as soon as you get there, avoid caffeine as much as possible until you acclimate. Next year I will probably head to BC at least 4 days before I have to shoot the match.
 
3 hours messes you up....?
I have no sympathy for ya LoL

... As a shift worker I'm always a little messed up sleep/rest -wise...
 
Us BC residents had to deal with a 4 hour time difference. I know a few people had a hard time getting onto schedule right away; they phoned my room at 2am with the excuse that "it's only 10pm in Vancouver!".

Getting up really early on the travel day so you're really tired when you arrive helps, because you crash right away when you arrive. Then set your alarm clock for local time. Maybe it's easier for me, because I always feel sleep deprived and going to bed early isn't really a problem.
 
Sleeping pills. They will get you on the new rhythm as fast as possible. If you want the natural solution, camp for a couple days before hand (in the new time zone) and allow the sun/darkness reset you. It's actually supposed to be quicker than meds.
 
I was a shift worker for 40 years and lived overseas for 15 years, so was familiar with being tired, jetlagged, etc. Suggestion, a week or so before you leave for the new time zone, try starting to adjust to the "new time" zone by going to sleep an hour earlier or later as the case may be. As well set your alarm to wake you by the hour difference. After a couple or three days, change the routine by 2 hours. Get onto the "new time" as soon as you arrive at your new destination and don't fall into the trap of going to sleep/waking at the time back home.
 
667 said:
3 hours messes you up....?
I have no sympathy for ya LoL

... As a shift worker I'm always a little messed up sleep/rest -wise...
Click to expand...

I did do some shift work for awhile and just hated it!! Shift work is a way for companies to turn you into a zombie so your whole life is the company and you have no energy to do or think about anything else but work IMO. A good company that needs workers 24 hrs won't shift change you as often.

I'm liking the idea of trying to get on the new time schedule a week before going.

I'd prefer not to use drugs to get to sleep but as long as I didn't have to shoot the next day I might try that. A friend at the range (Thanks Adam G and Slavex) suggested sleeping pills but I hadn't taken any for so many years I didn't think to even try that. Under the circumstances it may have been the best bet.
 
smiley1 said:
I did do some shift work for awhile and just hated it!! Shift work is a way for companies to turn you into a zombie so your whole life is the company and you have no energy to do or think about anything else but work IMO. A good company that needs workers 24 hrs won't shift change you as often.
Click to expand...

Well... Some operations/services have to run 24/7...

I've been working like this for 23+ years... Don't think I could ever work monday-friday 9-5.
I don't know how people who do ever have any fun with just two lousy days off a week.
 
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