Challenges in Maintaining Emotion Regulation in a Sleep and Energy Deprived State Induced by the 4800km Ultra-Endurance Bicycle Race; the Race across AMerica (RAAM)

Multiday ultra-endurance races present athletes with a significant number of physiological and psychological challenges. We examined emotions, the perceived func- tionality (optimal-dysfunctional) of emotions, strategies to regulate emotions, sleep quality, and energy intake- expenditure in a four-man team participating in the Race Across AMerica (RAAM); a 4856km continuous cycle race. Cyclists reported experiencing an optimal emotional state for less than 50% of total competition, with emo- tional states differing significantly between each cyclist over time. Coupled with this emotional disturbance, each cyclist experienced progressively worsening sleep depri- vation and daily negative energy balances throughout the RAAM. Cyclists managed less than one hour of continu- ous sleep per sleep episode, high sleep latency and high percentage moving time. Of note, actual sleep and sleep efficiency were better maintained during longer rest peri- ods, highlighting the importance of a race strategy that seeks to optimise the balance between average cycling velocity and sleep time. Our data suggests that future RAAM cyclists and crew should: 1) identify beliefs on the perceived functionality of emotions in relation to best (functional-optimal) and worst (dysfunctional) perform- ance as the starting point to intervention work; 2) create a plan for support sufficient sleep and recovery; 3) create nutritional strategies that maintain energy intake and thus reduce energy deficits; and 4) prepare for the deleterious effects of sleep deprivation so that they are able to appro- priately respond to unexpected stressors and foster func- tional working interpersonal relationships.

This study examines emotional regulation challenges faced by cyclists during the Race Across America.