Are you an elite athlete or striving to be one? Are you seeking ways to improve your athletic performance? Great! Then look no further.
Keeping at the top of your game requires squeezing value out of every aspect of your life. Whether you are an elite athlete or keen amateur, there are some key things you should consider. We all know that diet and training programs are vital to your performance. Check this out! Here is another often under-utilized way to simplify your progress.
Experience shows us one factor that is essential to improving your athletic capability. What is it? Establish restful sleep! Yes, that’s right, sleep well, and reap the rewards!
What Elites Need
The recommended amount of sleep for the average human is seven or eight hours every night. Is this the case for prospective elite athletes? The answer is no! Athletes need extra calories while training and guess what? This applies to sleep too!
We are all aware that when you push your body to the extreme, you will need extra time to recover. Ensure to plan in some extra hours sleep every night. Or, why not take a nap during the day? We promise it will make a world of difference!
The Impact of Missed Sleep
Our research shows us that there are many unhelpful side effects if you miss sleep. You may feel tired, but you can’t see inside. This is where lack of sleep hurts you the most! A decent night’s sleep works wonders for your reaction time, accuracy and recovery. If you don’t sleep well, your body can’t repair itself.
Make sure your mattress is comfortable enough! There are many places to find mattress recommendations for athletes. One that you could consider is sleepjunkie, a website dedicated to help you make better mattress decisions based on your needs and sleep conditions. You will feel the difference it makes!
Relaxation Over Medication
At times in life, we all struggle to sleep for several natural reasons. It could be stress, pressure, or anxiety. In the elite performance world, you will feel like this at some point.
So what should you do if you can’t sleep? Some people take medication in an attempt to achieve rest. This may seem like the best option, but unless a doctor has prescribed them, they are best avoided.
There are natural methods out there to combat the incapability to sleep. Why not try some deep breathing techniques or guided meditation practice? Believe us; you will drift off before you know it!
Keep It Regular
The way to safeguard good quality sleep involves setting a routine. Try to make sure you are going to bed and waking up at the same time every day.
This can be a challenge. We hear you! There are many apps out there that you can use to help you with this process. Give some of them a try!
This piece of information is golden for elite athletes and budding amateurs. It is so easy to do, and once you have it locked down, you will feel the benefits right away!
On the Move
We know that athletic events can throw your well-planned routine out the window. Competition is an essential part of your life as an elite athlete. So how can you manage your sleeping patterns when on the move?
Give yourself time to get used to your new surroundings by arriving a few days early. We can tell you that your body will have the time it needs to adjust and adapt to the change.
On top of that, you can spend a few days exploring the local area and preparing yourself mentally. You can’t lose!
Alcohol and Caffeine
We all like a beer or a glass of wine every now and again. It could be that morning coffee which, if you are like us, is essential to the start of most days!
Nothing quite gets you going for that morning training session like a nice cup of Joe. But wait. Stop.
It is a well-known fact that Alcohol and Caffeine harm the quality of your sleep. We are not saying you need to give them up completely, don’t worry!
You should stop drinking a few days before any events or competitions. It will give you that performance boost you are seeking and will help you sleep deeply!
What Does It All Mean?
You should never underestimate the power of a restful nights sleep. The impact on athletic performance is significant. We promise that if you get your sleep right, you will be out-performing the past version of yourself in no time.
Try some of our tips, and you will be on top of your form and ready to go. Dream big, sleep well, and prosper!
