Did you know?
According to a study by Stanford University, men’s basketball players found their shooting accuracy improved by 9% for three throws and three-point shots when they extended their sleep to 10 hours.
The 2021 Olympic Games in Tokyo have brought forth so many talented athletes to the world’s attention. Do you know that Olympic athletes are champions in the sheets as well as on the field? They know how to have a fulfilling resting time.
A good quality sleep carries enormous benefits for people across the physical activity spectrum. According to Dr. Mark Rosekind, a sleep specialist who works with Olympic medalists, sleep has only recently come to the forefront of interest for athletes. These athletes know that rest is just as important as training when it comes to athletic performance.
Firstly, quality rest improves your coordination and stamina, making it that much easier to get a good workout in. Secondly, sleep is when the majority of healing takes place—including small muscle tears that occur as a natural consequence of strength-building exercise. However, you don’t need to be straining your muscles to need a good night’s sleep. Even if you’re not super active, your bodies still experience a great deal of cellular wear and tear on a daily basis.
Chris Creveling, a speed skater, endorses the importance of naptime. ‘If I had a hard training the day before—which is usually the case—it’s definitely important for me to nap. I’ll nap for 20 to 40 minutes, and that’s enough time for your body to recuperate. It allows your mind to calm as well.’
What can we learn from this?
Prioritise your sleep
Take naps when you need them
Sleep is as much a biological necessity as food, water, and air.
We can't all be Olympic athletes, but we can sleep like one!