ABSTRACT
This chapter addresses applicable psychophysiological theory, informing practical ways to conceptualize and intervene with optimal performers aiming to improve energy and stress management through optimal sleep habits and psychophysiological self-regulation of physical and mental states. Performance can be thought of as the net result of self-regulation approaches to mitigate/optimize levels of stress, both from a pre-emptive and a restorative or corrective stance. Sleep is critical when it comes to self-regulation and impairment. The target of self-regulation and mental skills approaches is often performance anxiety. Tyler’s ski club had a baseline on file of his Ottawa Mental Skills Assessment Tool. Psychological stressors can cause a significant physiological reaction that drains an individual in the absence of adaptive coping abilities or “mental skills”. Stress, levels of energy, arousal and ultimately performance are not only impacted by physiological factors such as sleep; they are also impacted by cognitions, emotions and behaviors.
