The summer 2020 Olympics are just a year away! Have you started preparing?
Okay, let's face it... most of us will never be able to run, jump, or swim as fast as the athletic stars on the Olympics, but there's one thing we can do like them – sleep.
When it comes to athletes, a healthy sleep schedule is equally as important as training and diet. An athlete's mind and muscles need a reprieve after a long and strenuous day of practicing. In fact, sleep is so essential that it is often incorporated into their daily training routine.
Exactly how much sleep does an Olympic athlete need?
This may come as a slight surprise, but Olympic athletes need seven to nine hours of sleep per night – about the same amount as an average person.
The interest athletes and their trainers have taken in the effects of sleep has increased over the past few years. Scientists, doctors, and individuals alike are learning the important part sleep plays in a healthy routine.
Lack of sleep increases fatigue, disrupts focus, and hinders muscle and brain recovery. For athletes, this is especially important. If you are training for upwards of six to seven hours a day, your body is likely to be extremely exhausted. Sleep deprivation will decrease the production of glycogen and carbohydrates that are stored for energy during physical activity. If an athlete restricts themselves from sleep, they will experience poor focus and decreased energy when it's time for their big game.
Olympic sleep strategies:
Many Olympic athletes are keen on setting the right sleep environment for themselves before bed. Proper dimmed lighting, noise control or cancellation, and temperature control can help relax your body and signal that it's time to sleep.
Keep your lights low, but not pitch black. Cool your room down with fans or an air conditioner, and drown out any surrounding noise with a noise cancellation machine.
Olympians will also adopt a nighttime routine, including a relaxing before-bed walk, reading a book, and decreasing screen time.
Comfortable mattresses and beds also play a huge role in how Olympians sleep. An uncomfortable bed can prevent a restful slumber. If your bed is too small, uncomfortable, or the springs are wearing down, it's best to replace it. There's no reason you should sacrifice a good night's sleep – especially if a gold medal is on the line.
While we can't turn you into a gold-winning Olympic athlete, we can enhance your slumber. Stop by Shovlin Mattress Factory to learn about our available mattresses. We'll find you the perfect one, fit for an Olympian.
