If you’re an athlete who needs your body to be in the best possible condition possible for whatever sport you participate in, then getting the best rest you can is a necessity from now on. Sadly with the amount of strain that most athletes put themselves under, many are unaware of getting that coveted sleep they want, especially if they already have issues sleeping regularly. So let’s go over some techniques and tips that could pay off in the long run and give you the sleep that you desire!
Earplugs
If you’re a person who sleeps best in a noise-free environment without any sudden and loud distractions that can jolt you out of your rest, then these items can be a great deal of help to you. If you live in locations where there is a busy street, a freeway, or an airport, such an item can be of massive help for you. The only drawback to this is that you will struggle to hear your alarm clock should you require it to wake up at critical times.
Naps
Considering the amount of physical stress that an athlete puts themselves through, it would be a big help to have about 30 naps when you get the chance. This practice is beneficial for those who work out in the morning or night and give their body a brief respite between these workouts.
Electronic Disconnections
One of the best ways to get the rest you need is by removing anything that could distract you, your eyes, and your brain. Whether you’re watching TV, looking at an Ipad, or staring at the small and brightly lit up screen of your phone, removing these items from your reach can be a significant move towards getting your body to the state it needs to sleep. These specific items are detrimental to sleep because they can disrupt your melatonin hormone, which primarily induces the sleeping condition to rest appropriately.
Routines
Much like how you should set up schedules when having workouts throughout the day, you should set up times when you go to sleep and have naps that correlate with the exercises. By setting up these schedules and sticking to them with consistency, you can make your body’s internal clock adjusted correctly to get your rest.
Alcohol and Caffeine
There are many reasons why you should swear off consuming either of these substances, even more so when you want to get a good night’s rest. If you drink caffeine before your sleep, these drinks will stimulate certain hormones in your body, which will conflict with your body’s hormones to fall asleep. On the other hand, alcohol can cause your body to subconsciously wake up at certain times throughout the night whenever you try to get sleep, mainly if you drink alcohol in large quantities.
Conclusion
When you’re an athlete, you need to constantly remember that your body is your temple and that your success depends on how well you take care of the said temple. If you ensure that the amount of sleep you get is optimal and get rid of any possible distractions, taking care of your body will be a great deal less taxing.