The ODI World Cup has already started with people rooting for their favourite teams. As an audience, we often hail the fitness levels of athletes, be it their speed or power. One factor that is responsible for keeping with their physical and mental health is sleep. In an event like the World Cup, it plays a major role in determining the outcome of a game. When one sleeps, their body and mind have a chance to repair and recharge. To understand the importance of sleep for athletes, we spoke to our expert, Mohak Arora, Sports Coach, Parimatch Sports, who said that getting enough sleep before a crucial game is one of the best things that athletes can do to improve their chances of success.
Arora said, “Sleep helps to build and repair muscle tissue, remove waste products from the body, and strengthen the immune system. Also, it is extremely important for mental performance. When one is well-rested, they’re better able to focus, concentrate, and make quick decisions. They’re also better able to control their emotions and stay calm under pressure. All of these things are essential for success in a high-pressure tournament like the World Cup.”
Benefits Of Sleep For Athletes
Arora listed the benefits of sleep for athletes as follows:
- Improved physical performance: Sleep helps to build and repair muscle tissue, which can lead to improved strength, power, and speed. It also helps to improve endurance and prevent injuries.
- Improved mental performance: Sleep helps to improve cognitive function, including focus, concentration, and decision-making. It also helps to improve memory and recall, which is important for learning and executing complex game plans. According to the Sleep Foundation, when athletes engage in practice or acquire new skills, sleep plays a crucial role in memory formation, ultimately leading to enhanced future performance.
- Improved emotional regulation: Sleep helps to regulate emotions and improve mood. This can help athletes to stay calm and focused under pressure, and avoid making impulsive decisions.
- Reduced risk of injury: Sleep helps to strengthen the immune system and reduce inflammation. This can help to reduce the risk of injuries, both during training and competition.
Tips To Get Sleep Before A Crucial Game
Some important tips for getting enough sleep before a crucial game as recommended by the expert are:
- Don't neglect your sleep and stick to your regular sleep schedule. This means sleeping on time on weekends and while travelling. This will help to regulate the body's natural sleep-wake cycle.
- Establish a peaceful bedtime routine. This includes engaging in relaxing activities like taking a warm bath, reading or listening to music.
- Maintain a good sleep environment while sleeping, i.e. keeping your bedroom quiet, cool, and dark
- Avoid drinking alcohol and caffeine before bed as alcohol and caffeine both disrupt sleep
- Avoid working out too close to bedtime to avoid sleep disruptions
Other Tips To Follow
Arora listed few other things that athletes can do to improve their sleep, such as:
- Avoiding napping during the day
- Eating a healthy diet
- Avoiding eating heavy meals or sugary snacks before bed
- Drinking plenty of water throughout the day to improve sleep quality
[Disclaimer: This article contains information provided by a registered healthcare professional and is for informational purposes only. Hence, we advise you to consult your expert if you are dealing with sleep conditions for necessary treatment.]