For a long time, researcher – and “light doctor” – Toine Schoutens knew that jet lag could have a negative effect on athletes who have to perform in different time zones. That is why he, together with swimming coach Jaco Verhaeren, devised a method to travel without jet lag in 2008 and implemented this technique within the Dutch and Australian swimming teams, among others, with remarkably positive results. In 2022, chrono coaching will be an indispensable part of top-level sport and, following the example of many athletes in Tokyo 2021, a significant number of the Dutch Olympians in Beijing are now also using it successfully.
Chrono coaching shifts the individual sleep/wake rhythm in such a way that top athletes are fully or partially in the rhythm of the destination before they even leave on their journey. As a result, jet lag hardly or never occurs, resulting in less fatigue and better concentration and alertness. Jet lag is just an inconvenience for the average traveller, but for a top athlete it causes a loss of form and reduced performance. It can take up to 14 days for performance to return to its peak level. In addition to jet lag, chrono coaching is increasingly used to make the peak performance moment coincide with the moment that an effort has to be made.
Recent research by the University of Groningen, among others, shows that the best physical performances are usually delivered around five o'clock in the afternoon. With the help of dosed blue light at the right time, a chrono diet and sleep instructions, the sleep/wake rhythm can be shifted to any other time of the day. This also makes it possible to deliver a top performance in the early morning or late evening. Of course, the years of daily training and dedication of these athletes and their coaches determine their level, but the possibility to peak at the right time gives athletes in shape the final push. Iron discipline, sleep hygiene and motivation are important factors here, but athletes such as Suzanne Schulting, Kimberley Bos, Maarten Meiners and many others have it right.
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