Things are about to heat up as the Olympics approach in July 2024. Paris organizers have reportedly decided not to install air conditioning in the Olympic Village in an effort to make the Games more environmentally friendly. Associated PressBut not everyone is on board, including the United States Olympic and Paralympic Committee (USOPC).
In fact, the USOPC plans to provide AC units to Team USA in France, against the wishes of the organizers. Press conferenceSarah Hirshland, CEO US OPCHe said he had “great respect” for the Paris organizing committee’s focus on sustainability, but that team members were not too keen on the prospect of staying in rooms without air conditioning.
“In discussions with the players, this was a very high priority and they felt it was a critical component to their ability to perform and the predictability and consistency of what they’re used to,” Hirshland said. “So, yes, we’re going to have air conditioning.”
To be clear, the Paris organizers Several One proposed solution to provide some relief from the heat is to install cooling pipes under the floors, according to the Associated Press. But Hirshland’s comments suggest there are concerns that this system won’t be enough, and for good reason: Europe experienced a record number of “extreme heat stress days” in 2023, the AP reported. united nations2024 could follow a similar trajectory. Parents I will report.
Anyone who’s ever had trouble falling asleep or staying asleep in a hot room knows the frustration of tossing and turning in sweaty sheets until the early hours of the morning. But for Olympic athletes, whose futures (and in some cases their livelihoods) depend on feeling their best, lack of sleep isn’t just frustrating — it can actually be detrimental.
According to a 2012 study, temperature may be “one of the most important factors affecting human sleep.” review Published in Journal of Physiological Anthropology In conclusion, of all the factors that affect the quality of your night’s sleep, room climate is paramount. A temperature between 60 and 67 degrees is considered optimal. Anything above that temperature makes things worse. A 2016 Danish study found that: study Research has shown that people experience poorer quality sleep after a week of sleeping at a temperature higher than their preferred temperature.
Lack of sleep is not exactly a recipe for success as an athlete. You may notice that your reaction times slow down, you tire more easily, and your decisions become less clear. Overall, lack of sleep is associated with decreased speed, strength, power, and accuracy. How much less? According to a 2022 study: review in Sports MedicineFor every hour spent awake during a sleep-deprived night, an athlete’s performance drops by about 0.4%. That may not seem like much, but remember that on the world’s biggest sporting stages, the difference between winning a gold medal and missing the podium is often measured in mere seconds or centimeters. Plus, lack of sleep can increase the risk of concussions and other injuries and slow recovery, according to a 2020 study. study.
So, this study supports the USOPC’s decision to install air conditioning in Paris. Comfortable temperatures help athletes perform at their best, compete safely, and recover enough to compete again the next day. It’s for these reasons that several other countries, including the UK, Canada, Italy, and Germany, have also expressed their intention to install air conditioning in France. The Washington Post It was reported earlier this month that exercise itself can be a great natural sleep aid, but athletes deserve a little help to get the most out of it.
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