How to sleep like an athlete

There's no doubt that athletes require more sleep than the average person. But how much is enough? And what exactly should you do to get it? We'll break down everything you need to know about sleeping like an athlete, from when they need more shut eye to what happens when you don't get enough sleep.

How to sleep like an athlete

The importance of sleep to athletes is an undeniable fact. Many professional athletes have made it a point to get more sleep than their peers, and they're not just doing so because they're tired. Sleep helps your body recover from exercise, but it also has other benefits that are relevant to any athlete who wants to perform at his or her best.

The National Sleep Foundation recommends that adults get between seven and nine hours of sleep per night, but many people don't meet this goal--and even fewer athletes do. According to the National Center for Sports Medicine (NCSM), elite athletes need about 10 hours of restful slumber on average! In order for your body's muscles and bones to recover from strenuous exercise like running or weightlifting sessions, you need adequate amounts of quality shut eye every day; otherwise, your performance may suffer as a result of inadequate rest and recovery time. The good news? There are several ways you can increase how much restful sleep you get each night so that when game day comes around again tomorrow morning (or afternoon), you'll be ready for action once more.

Sleep is rejuvenating, but pro athletes need more than most.

Pro athletes need more sleep than the average person. Sleep is rejuvenating and helps you recover from workouts, but it's especially important for athletes because they train so hard and often. Their bodies are constantly working to keep up with their rigorous training schedules, so getting enough rest is essential for keeping them healthy--and performing at their best on game day.

An athlete's body needs time to recover from physical activity and prepare itself for the next workout or game. If you don't get enough sleep, your muscles won't be as strong or flexible when you need them most; this can lead to injuries that will sideline your career (and potentially cost thousands of dollars in medical bills). Your brain also needs time off from thinking about sports by sleeping so that it can process information from previous games or practices without distraction!

Athletes often get into a cycle of training too hard.

Athletes often get into a cycle of training too hard and sleeping too little, which can be dangerous. Sleep deprivation can lead to problems with cognition, memory and mood. It also leads to weight gain, heart disease and diabetes--all of which are bad for athletes who want to stay healthy.

Sleep deprivation also increases the risk of injury because it decreases your ability to respond quickly when something unexpected happens on the field or court.

If you're feeling tired even though you've been getting enough sleep, try a new routine!

If you're having trouble sleeping, try changing your routine. If you usually exercise in the morning, try doing it at night. Or vice versa! If you take a walk around the block before bedtime, maybe try going for a jog on your lunch break instead.

If nothing seems to help and you're still feeling tired even though you've been getting enough sleep (seven to nine hours per night), talk with your doctor about possible health issues that could be keeping you from getting good rest--such as anemia or depression--or taking medication that might be interfering with restful slumber.

Also consider these tips:

• Get more exercise during the day.
• Relax before bedtime by listening to music or reading a book without technology nearby (no cell phones!)
• Avoid caffeine late in the day; caffeine can stay in our systems longer than we think and interfere with our ability to fall asleep naturally.

Conclusion

In the end, getting enough sleep is crucial for athletes and non-athletes alike. It's important that you find a routine that works for your lifestyle, but if you're feeling tired even though you've been getting enough sleep, try a new strategy!

If you're an athlete or have an active lifestyle, we have the perfect mattress for you! Choose a mattress that promotes muscle rest and recovery. Designed for the active lifestyle, the Sound Sleep Sport mattress will help your body rest and rejuvenate for your next workout. Find a retailer near you on our “Find a Retailer” page and try a Sport mattress today!

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