erinsimmonsfitness

Now that the Olympic Games have officially come to a close, you may be tempted to channel your own inner athlete. While many athletes are known for the hours they put in on the court, track, field, or weight room, one factor in their success that is commonly overlooked is sleep! Most athletes know that recovery is just as important as the workout, and the same is true for those of us who work out or compete on stages slightly smaller than Rio.

During sleep, your body repairs damaged tissues, your nervous system recovers, and energy is restored so that you can perform at your best every day! It is easy to get caught up in a busy schedule, but make sure you are planning appropriate time for sleep, which is 7-9 hours for adults on average. Don’t be surprised if you need more, though: average professional athletes sleep for 10-12 hours each night to accommodate the extra stress on their bodies and to allow their nervous system to be fully functional. Whether you’re involved in a sport or just working out for health, use this handy guide from Casper to help you get your best sleep for your best performance!

Quick Tips:

1. Aim for 8-10 hours of sleep and keep a regular sleep schedule.
2. Maintain a good sleep environment: dark room, supportive mattress, and cool temperatures.
3. Take quick naps if you need to, even if it’s before a workout or competition!

*NOTE: While I very much support the message of appropriate rest and recovery that Casper has promoted, I have not used, owned, or tested their items and cannot speak to the quality of their products. The information they have put together, however, is very useful!