Falling asleep during cycle leg of race

rosiethedog40

 Hi, This is really weird and I am not sure if you can help but here goes:

I have now fallen asleep during the cycle leg of 2 I'm races. I am not kidding. It is exactly the same as when you fall asleep at the wheel of a car - can't keep your eyes open despite doing tonnes of stuff like slapping your face/singing/ etc, and then you 'suddenly' wake up as you are veering off the road. The first race it happened in, thought was nuts. Then I raced another couple of halfs, and another nd was fine. Last week during IMWA it happened again. this ime took more note so here are the facts:

1. the swim was rough and had to site a lot - so my shoulders and neck were quite sore

2. it occurred between 60-75km (ie over about 30 mins) - my at this time was in zone 1-2 (132-140bpm) and my RPE was about moderately easy mixed with somewhat hard (wind!).

3. I had been consistently consuming Infinit at the 'correct' rate. I also had 2 high fibre biscuits withe vvegemite n butter. 

4. At this stage the pain in my neck on one side was excruciating. I was trying to roll my shoulders and move my neck a little to ease it.

5. The temp was warm but I definitely felt OK with it - didn't feel hot at all. 

I really thought my race as over as it was too dangerous - people behind me must have thought I was drunk! So I pulled over at the next aid Station thinking I wuld curl up and have a power nap for a while when someone shouted 'COLA'' so took the bidon and chugged the lot and went on to see it that would help. it did!

So, made sure I had  full bidon of Cola at every station (on top of my infinit) and I was fine. 

So, was it low sugar (doubtful), or caffeine-deficiency. As we have no special sports-related Drs where I am I am not sure a visit there will be of use. (I had a full heck a month ago anyway and all the blood tests were OK). 

Has anyone ever had this happen to them? Did the neck cramping exacerbAte it/ cause it? be grateful for any insights. 

Thanks, Monique

Peter Wick

Wow. At first I was thinking narcolepsy but I guess you have some blood sugar regulation issues. You seem to respond well to high glycemic drinks. Have you tried any steady release formulations containing maltodextrin, or even longer release preps like Generation UCAN's 'superstarch'? I use the UCAN stuff because it helps keep my blood sugar steady without the spikes and crashes I used to have on things like gels and sports drinks.

Jess Withrow

When did you have the "high fibre biscuits?" As Pete pointed out, it could very well be a blood sugar issue, and the carbohydrate in wheat products can produce a large insulin spike (more so than table sugar) followed by a crash 90' to 120' later... ??? Wheat/gluten definitely makes me very sleepy! Very odd that it would happen to you on the bike like that! Glad you're ok!

Brenda Ross

I think Pete, hit the nail on the head, but it might be a good idea to post in the Nutrition forum and see if our Penny (Registered Dietitan) can provide some guideance.

rosiethedog40

CAn I just re-post or should I ask the nutrition guys to look at this post? I'm going to google the GI index of those biscuits...

jenpump

I am really surprised that no one suggested you get a follow up medical check up to rule out any serious issues -- non sports related. Falling asleep can be a sign of heart issues....I know of two people who would "fall asleep" during normal activity because their heart was skipping beats. Given the severe neck pain at the same time, I would really really suggest you get a cardiac workup. If you are experiencing blood sugar issues you would want to rule out a more chronic disease such as diabetes or hypoglycemia. I am not suggesting that your condition is serious, just that a med check might be advised. Not a special sports-related doc, just a regular one. Your last work up may not have specifically looked for these issues, or they may be brought on my the intensity of the activity which would not necessarily present in a regular check up.

Coach Patrick

Thanks Team for helping out!!!