Pitfalls in interpreting red blood cell parameters in elite high-altitude and sea-level athletes: A unique case series.

Standard routine hematological measurements are commonly used to investigate differences in blood parameters between high-altitude athletes (HAA) and sea-level athletes (SLA), and to monitor the effect of high-altitude training. In this way, red blood cell (RBC) parameters are usually expressed as relative parameters (concentration) rather than absolute parameters (total amount). In this unique case series of elite HAA and SLA, we describe how different ways of parameter expression can affect the interpretation of blood tests.

Extreme Violation of Sleep Hygiene: Sleeping Against the Biological Clock During a Multiday Relay Event.

Background: Sleep hygiene is important for sleep quality and optimal performance during the day. However, it is not always possible to follow sleep hygiene requirements. In multiday relay events, athletes have to sleep immediately after physical exertion and sometimes against their biological clock.