How to Stay Awake While Racing in the Iditarod

Mushers have anywhere from 10 to more than 20 days on the Iditarod Trail from Anchorage to Nome. And although the dogs will rest as many hours as they run, their busy riders will not. "Going with so little sleep is really the most miserable part of the Iditarod," says veteran Shawn Sidelinger. "It's really a test of will."

Instructions

Difficulty: Challenging

Things You’ll Need:

• Portable Radios

1. Watch what you eat and drink. Avoid sugar and caffeine.
2. Travel during hours that make sense. Race from 6 a.m. to noon, and rest until 6 p.m. Then race until midnight and rest until 6 a.m. "We try to set a schedule during times that make sense; don't go against your normal rhythms," Sidelinger says.
3. Assess your sleep needs. After checkpoint preparation is completed and the chance to rest arrives, choose carefully in light of the competition. "If someone else only needs an hour and you need three, then they are ahead of you."
4. Listen to a tape. "Many of us are carrying Walkmans and listening to radio reception, country western music, books on tape, or even Nirvana," Sidelinger says.
5. Jump off the sled and run alongside to get the blood pumping.
6. Choose to be a little chilly by removing a layer of clothes. "You're more likely to fall asleep when toasty warm."

Tips & Warnings

• "Sleep deprivation is very much a mental challenge," Sidelinger says.
• "I'm not saying we don't keel over with exhaustion," Sidelinger admits. "There have been times that I've fallen asleep standing up while riding, and ended up tipping over."