Professional athletes have to function to the best of their ability to be at the top of their game. A major factor in their ability to perform well is to get a good night’s rest each night. Not getting enough quality rest can diminish an athlete’s athletic and cognitive capabilities. Therefore, great athletes understand the importance of good rest.
While you may not be Serena Williams or LeBron James, you can follow their lead when it comes to prioritizing sleep wellness. If you want to improve your sleep game, we will show you six ways to sleep like a pro athlete that should leave you feeling more powerful than ever.
1. Get a Comfortable Mattress
An important step to getting quality sleep is to have the right mattress. Athletes understand that their bed makes all the difference in how well they can recover each night. Therefore, they will invest in high-quality mattresses that are comfortable enough to help their muscles recover while also providing optimal support.
If you want to sleep like a professional athlete, then you should follow suit and get the best mattress for your needs. You spend around eight hours a night sleeping; it only makes sense to prioritize quality sleep by investing in a top-notch bed.
2. Purchase a Good Pillow
Another key to better sleep is a comfortable pillow. Athletes know the importance of having a pillow that supports their head and neck. Conversely, a bad pillow could lead to tension headaches and neck pain, which will only disrupt your sleep even more and cause discomfort during the day.
3. Turn Off Electronics at Least an Hour Before Bedtime
One of the best ways to get a good night’s sleep is to turn off all electronics at least an hour before bedtime, including your TV, computer, phone, and any other devices that emit blue light. The blue light from these products can keep you awake by disrupting your natural sleep rhythm, leaving you feeling more alert than sleepy.
4. Take Time to Wind Down Before Going to Sleep
Another pro-tip is giving yourself time to wind down before bed, particularly with a relaxing activity that helps you relieve stress.
Professional athletes are not only physically active throughout the day, but they also have to be mentally prepared for their game. Establishing a calming bedtime routine for yourself is an excellent way to keep yourself mentally strong and alleviate the stress that can otherwise keep you up at night. Therefore, take time before bed to relax with some reading, a hot bath, or meditation.
5. Exercise Regularly
Regular exercise is not only good for your physical health, but it also benefits your mental state. For example, exercise releases endorphins, which can help you feel good, and as a result, allow you to fall asleep easier and improve your sleep quality.
A great time to exercise is in the mornings since this can help you feel energized for the day. However, if you’re short on time, consider working out at home. Depending on where you live, you may have a limited workout space and need to get creative. A murphy bed is a great way to consolidate space, especially for those at-home workouts. Murphy beds are attached to the wall and can be folded down or up as needed, allowing for extra space when you’re not sleeping.
6. Keep Your Room Cool and Dark
Maintaining the right sleep environment is also essential. Focus on keeping your bedroom cool and dark. A cooler room temperature is more conducive for sleeping since you won’t likely overheat, while the darkness helps your internal clock know it’s time to sleep.
To help stay cool, you can try keeping the windows open, running a fan, or turning on your air-conditioning. In addition, you can use blackout curtains and sleep to help eliminate any outside light that may be distracting you.
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