Rapid recuperation from vigorous activities is critical in maintaining an athlete’s peak performance. Along with sound nutrition, it is during sleep that the body releases powerful growth hormones which are responsible for muscle repair and growth. Research shows that sleeping better and longer leads to improvements in athletic performance, including faster performance times, better endurance, lower heart rate, and even improved mood and higher levels of energy during a workout.

It is proven that during a workout the body can typically get as hot as 40 degrees, causing the body to trigger its sweat mechanism to dissipate the excess heat. For serious athletes, especially those who work out towards the end of the day, the sweating can persist until well after bedtime.

It is surprising that athletes of all stature invest in the most technically sophisticated high performance moisture wicking fabric and equipment for use whilst training and yet sleep on old fashioned cotton bedding. Why is this when most people spend about a third of their lifetime sleeping?

Sports participants need bedding which can handle excess perspiration which accompanies heightened metabolism, as well as providing a clean, low friction support surface where abraded skin can heal.

You may have been warned about ‘over-training’ at some point but it is ‘under-recovering’ that is as equally important. Your body can actually handle a significant amount of serious training if your nutrition is on point and you get enough quality sleep.