I seem to recall an article in CQ (maybe QST) a while back on this subject. The
person in that article suggested the best thing is to be in decent shape and
exercise regularly. I have to admit that when I have been doing a lot of
exercise (read yard work and walking), not only do I sleep better before
contests, but find it easier to stay awake during contests.
I have used a B complex plus C, but not to stay awake, more to offset any
possible things like a cold and stress.
My favorite substances to abuse during a contest involve sugar and/or caffeine
or something chewy during CW events.
I do find getting out of the chair and stretching helps a lot. Thank god for
the F1 key! ;o)
Oh, aspirin comes in handy from time to time too...
73,
Julius
Julius Fazekas
N2WN
Tennessee Contest Group
http://www.k4ro.net/tcg/index.html
Tennessee QSO Party: Sunday, 6 Sept 2009
http://www.tnqp.org/
Elecraft K2/100 #4455
Elecraft K3/100 #366
--- On Thu, 5/21/09, Robert L. Shohet <kq2m@earthlink.net> wrote:
> From: Robert L. Shohet <kq2m@earthlink.net>
> Subject: [CQ-Contest] Contesting Supplements
> To: cq-contest@contesting.com
> Date: Thursday, May 21, 2009, 8:43 PM
> Hi Jeff,
>
> I am just wondering what your definition of "safe" is, with
> respect
> to the supplements and other things that you have taken.
>
> I ask this since quite a few so-called "safe" supplements,
> nutriceuticals,
> etc.
> have been discovered to be quite harmful long after they
> were considered
> "safe".
>
> As you probably know, the FDA does NOT test the safety of
> nutriceuticals,
> herbs and other supplements so there is no "official" word
> on many of the
> things
> that are sold over the counter for use by the public.
>
> In addition, quite often, herbs, supplements and
> neutriceuticals can affect
> the
> absorption and metabolism of prescription meds with quite
> unpredictable
> and potentially disasterous consequences, not even
> considering the added
> effects
> from a weakened body and mind as a result of sleep
> deprivation PLUS
> the stress of contesting!
>
> As a veteran of more than 150 48 hour SOABHP All band
> contests with less
> than 2 hours of sleep, and who has (unfortunately)
> experienced
> hallucinations,
> cardiac arrhythmia and other scary effects WITHOUT
> using anything stronger
> than caffeine or No-Doz, the last thing that anyone should
> consider is
> adding
> an unknown to the equation when they are most vulnerable
> medically.
>
> Less risky alternatives would be a good multi-vitamin plus
> B-Vitamin
> supplement
> combined with some extra Vitamin C. But even this is
> not necessarily safe
> for everyone.
> Safer, and far more effective, is a natural low-fat and low
> sodium diet with
> a variety
> of low-carb and protein rich foods, with plenty of
> Cranberry juice, fruits
> and
> green leafy vegetables. Easy to digest, and with
> plenty of energy.
>
> What you eat and drink during a contest has a far greater
> effect on
> performance
> and the ability to stay alert than most people realize; and
> there is NO risk
> for this
> kind of natural performance enhancement. Of course,
> dropping 20-30 lbs
> before contest season starts can be just as
> effective. :-)
>
> If someone is already taking prescription meds for high
> blood pressure,
> cholesterol reduction, diuretics, diabetes, etc., then they
> should refrain
> from
> using anything without consulting a knowledgeable
> pharmacist and their
> doctor.
>
> 73
> Bob KQ2M
> B.S. Nutritional Biochemistry from Cornell Univ.
>
>
>
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> CQ-Contest@contesting.com
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>
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