Running back and forth a 100 yard field can be exhausting for the World Cup soccer players! You might ask yourself how they are able to do this for 90 minutes. The answer is in exercise and, of course, a full night’s sleep without any disruptions. Let’s look at how a professional athlete sleeps and what they use to help them.
Evaluating the Athletes
According to the National Sleep Foundation, a training expert is sent in to evaluate athletes sleeping conditions. This can be anything from lighting to beds to alarm clocks. These experts then make changes to an athlete’s room. The experts will also look into temperature and noise. Experts will begin with the environmental aspects of a room.
Watch Your Lighting
Light involves the use of blackout curtains when it comes to athletes rooms. They will keep the room sufficiently dark but not so dark that when you wake up in the middle of the night they don’t stub their toe. For a soccer athlete, that’s not good.
Try To Stay Cool
Temperature-wise, cool is better than warm. Being too hot or too cold can affect the way you sleep. A normal setting for cool temperatures is 65-68 degrees. You can also control these environmental factors by layering your bed with sheets, blankets, and comforters as well. Most athletes will use performance bedding that can help regulate temperature and moisture!
No Intrusive Noises
With noise, it’s important to understand that it is intrusive noise events, like doors banging, which are most disruptive for peoples sleep. This problem can be easily solved by masking the intrusive sounds with background noise, like a fan or sound machine. Keep in mind that it is important for athletes to have a reliable alarm clock as well.
Don’t Forget The Extras
You can’t forget some of the extras as well. This includes not taking advantage of the snooze button. These are the enemy of good sleep because it disrupts your internal circadian clock. Alcohol is a big no-no at big events such as the World Cup as well. Sure, it makes you sleepy at first, but then as your alcohol levels fall you sleep is more disrupted and fragmented than normal. It’s important to also personalize your sleep! Find what works for you and what kind of sleep surface you like. This all helps benefit those who need to get the most sleep for muscle regrowth and enhancement building! Don’t forget to check out our performance bedding and products to help customize your sleep so that you can be sleeping like a World Cup athlete! Sleep well. Live well.
Blog Author – Jesse S. – Bedding Expert