Swimming in the Early Hours: A Teen's Plea for More Sleep
SwimSwam welcomes diverse perspectives, and this piece by Kate Casciato, a competitive swimmer and high school student, offers a unique take on the challenges of early morning swim practices. Her story highlights the often-overlooked impact of sleep deprivation on teenagers, especially those in competitive sports.
The Struggle with Sleep
Kate's experience with an Oura Ring, a sleep-tracking device, underscores the constant reminder of her sleep deficit. Despite her efforts, she consistently falls short of the recommended 8-10 hours of sleep for teenagers, which is crucial for brain development, focus, and overall well-being. The early morning swim practice, a common practice in competitive swimming, exacerbates this issue.
The Case for Later Practices
Kate acknowledges the practical reasons behind early morning practices, such as pool availability and time management. However, she argues that these factors don't justify the toll on her mental and physical health. The Cleveland Clinic recommends 8-10 hours of sleep for teenagers, and research consistently shows that sleep improves various health aspects, including focus, behavior, and mental health.
The Impact on Academic and Sports Performance
With a heavy academic load, including three to four hours of homework on a good day, and the need to complete it after afternoon swim practices, Kate's sleep situation is dire. She highlights the irony of adults promoting sleep awareness while contributing to the excessive homework load. Swim coaches, though well-intentioned, are also part of this complex equation.
The Potential Benefits of More Sleep
Kate believes that extra sleep could significantly improve her swimming performance, citing the importance of rest in short-distance swimming. She questions whether the current sleep-deprived routine is worth the potential trade-off in mental health and overall well-being.
A Call for Change
Kate's plea is a call for swim coaches and adults to reconsider the necessity of early morning practices for teenagers. She suggests that the potential benefits of these practices may be outweighed by the negative impact on mental health and sleep quality. Until a broader recognition of this issue occurs, she and many other vulnerable teenagers will continue to struggle with the consequences of sleep deprivation.
About Kate Casciato
Kate is a junior at The Dalton School in New York City and a freestyle sprinter on the Asphalt Green Unified Aquatics (AGUA) team. Her passion for swimming and academic pursuits, including a double major in English and Public Policy, showcase her dedication and potential.
