We have observed that open water swimmers can sleep on a moment’s notice.

On escort boats in the high seas, on docks worldwide, on beaches globally, in short hops and long hauls in airplanes, and ferries anywhere anytime, open water swimmers can fall asleep deeply, comfortably, and immediately.

One moment you are talking to them, and the next moment they are out. For when they are awake, they are bundles of energy: moving, driving, talking, training, stretching, swimming.

But when slumber overtakes them, they are down for the count.

Just as swimmers often have insomnia before major competitions or solo swims of all sorts, so must observers, pilots, and crew members get restful sleep leading up to the days of a competition or swim.

Read here for an interview with several open water swimmers about insomnia and sleep before a major swim.

Copyright © 2013 by Open Water Swimming