How Athletes Manage Sleep Amidst Demanding Schedules And Pressure
One of the banes of living in the modern-day world is that there is always something to do, and there is never enough time to sleep
Given the convenience that this time accords, it is ironic that sleep deprivation is a very real concern for millennials today. For example, a recent sleep survey conducted by ResMed in 2024 revealed that almost 27 per cent of the 36,000 respondents in India reported getting less than the required sleep, both in terms of quantity and quality. The survey also illustrated that 49 per cent of those interviewed report increased productivity when they can sleep well. The link between productivity and proper sleep is clearer than ever, and so is the need to prioritise sleep. While sleep deprivation is dangerous across populations, it is particularly disastrous when it comes to athletes. This article aims to elucidate this and flesh out the importance of sleep health in sports.
The current scenario
When one thinks of an athlete, one usually imagines a fit body and mind capable of enduring prolonged periods of stress and possessing the ability to make game-altering decisions in split seconds. However, as difficult as it may be to imagine, studies indicate that a substantial percentage of this cohort is suffering due to sleep deprivation. For example, a one-year follow-up study conducted on 107 professional ice hockey players revealed that one in every four participants was assessed to be sleep-deprived. This is even though most of these players understood the important role that sleep played in maintaining their health and rated it as such. Therefore, it is clear that those in sports face an uphill task when it comes to giving their bodies adequate rest. The next question is how this impacts them and what they can do to remedy this.
The impact of sleep deprivation on athletes
Shakespeare, perhaps, rightly described sleep as the “balm of hurt minds.” Study after study has emphasised sleep's restorative effects and its importance in strengthening neural networks. On the other hand, impaired sleep is positively correlated with impaired decision-making, reasoning, and attention- three skills that are important in distinguishing good players from great ones. So, if an athlete is not sleeping enough, it is likely that their game will have to bear the brunt of it. This is supported by data suggesting that players of different sports who increased their hours of sleep to ten hours reported better stamina and performance, lesser reaction time, and greater precision.
Moreover, the consequences of sleep deprivation extend beyond the field. Sleep is one of the most important biological determinants of mental health. The inability to get adequate sleep is implicated as a causal factor in mood disorders and anxiety. Considering that athletes are more likely to encounter stressors daily, they are extremely susceptible to developing these disorders if they are not able to relax, rejuvenate and slip off into deep slumber. To put it simply, bad sleepers seldom make good players.
What can be done?
To provide a solution to the sleep crisis that athletes all over the world are facing, one first needs to get over certain stereotypes. For example, it is untrue that only middle-aged men fall prey to sleep deprivation and sleep disorders. Another myth is that those who are getting adequate exercise are immune to the harmful effects of sleep deprivation. One needs to understand that this is a lifestyle issue that can get blown up into a full-fledged disorder, and so everyone, even your pro athlete, is vulnerable.
Thus, the next step would be to prioritise sleep over everything else to the point where it becomes as important as practice sessions. The idea is that sleep is a part of general fitness, and one has to monitor it closely and seek solutions if disruptions are observed. However, if lifestyle alterations are not helping you get there, then don’t hesitate to seek help. For example, CPAP machines and equipment are helpful for those battling sleep apnea. Unfortunately, however, people have been hesitant to avail the available treatments.
While many regard technological innovations like the mobile phone as the root cause of all sleep-related problems, these devices can help collect sleep data and track sleep patterns. Based on this information, personalised solutions can be offered.
Bottomline
It is difficult to imagine a young, fit athlete who gets plenty of exercise suffering the consequences of sleep deprivation, as it challenges our own perceived sense of immunity. However, the point is that sleep deprivation is prevalent among athletes, and they need to acknowledge and address this issue. Apprehensions and denial about the issue worsen it and thus must be forsaken. To do this, they must educate themselves on the matter and get help where needed. Remember that resistance to change and turning a blind eye toward existing solutions can cost us a game, our health or even our lives.
