The Big Sleep

The Big Sleep

As every fitness trainer knows, adequate recuperation time following a grueling workout is essential for recovery and growth. This period of rest, however, does not just include sitting down to a balanced meal or relaxing in front of the television. Adequate amounts of sleep especially deep sleep are required for optimal performance.

A fair amount of athletes simply don't get enough sleep to keep their bodies rested and restored. According to findings of the National Center on Sleep Disorders, it is estimated that more than 50% of all Americans are sleep deprived and the average American gets one to one and half hour less sleep than our ancestors did a century ago. The average person needs 6-8 hours of quality sleep to feel fully rested, while hard pressing athletes may often require more than the average. This sleep factor is influenced by genetics, quality of sleep and how deeply we sleep. Likewise, our sleep needs are also impacted by exercise.

Additionally, many athletes may experience more aches and pains as they age due to training and may also find it more difficult to overcome small injuries such as sprains, strains, tears and inflammation in the joints. But regardless of an athletes age, waking up in the morning with lower back pain, a stiff neck or aching hips or knees may be signs that there has been a change in his or her sleep pattern.

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