Sleep is an integral part of what makes humans function (Harris et al., 2015). It is a common need that, if neglected, has the potential to negatively impact our daily performance (Wickens, Hutchins, Laux, & Sebok, 2015). Researchers from numerous organizations and universities have attempted to determine exactly how much sleep is needed. While the […]
In my last clinical update on sleep and sports injury in adolescent athletes, I described the stressors that they face in day to day training and competition. As well as these high-volume and intensity training schedules, these athletes are exposed to many non-training stressors. This highlights sleep as being central in aiding the short-term and […]
Previous articles for Sport in Mind have focused on athlete recovery and the importance of the appropriate quality and quantity of sleep. Sleep has been outlined as being essential for physiological growth and repair, neuro-muscular performance, cognitive functioning and memory, emotional well-being and immune function. Napping has been proposed as a suitable strategy for athletes […]
In my previous two articles on TheSportinmind, adequate rest (napping) and sufficient sleep are discussed as two of the most commonly reported methods for managing fatigue and enhancing recovery (Hausswirth et al.; MyllymÄKi et al., 2011; Samuels, 2008). I discussed how research supports napping as a prophylactic strategy to supplement the physical and psychological rejuvenation […]
Optimal performance requires the balance of stress and recovery in response weekly and annual periodised training. Athletes need sufficient physical stress to maximise positive adaptations in terms of physical qualities such as strength, power and speed as well as skill based qualities such as increased decision making ability. To optimise performance, these qualities need to […]
Few studies have investigated the role of overall life stress and wellness on performance and injuries in elite junior sport. The adolescent phase of development is one where athletes face many competing demands. As a result, whilst their need for sleep has not changed to that of childhood, evidence suggests their perception of their need […]
Whether for exams or general school or university studies, it could be important to schedule time for exercise as well as for homework and revision. Exercise can not only help you concentrate and remember information better, it can also help you sleep more soundly and cope with the pressures of deadlines and exams. Exercise improves […]
The question as to why humans require sleep is largely unanswered. Most research focusing around sleep has looked at specifically how humans sleep and it has been found that sleep provides us with a number of physical and psychological functions. There are three main functions which sleep provides us with. The first is a somatic […]
Alcohol Drinking alcohol before sleep can be viewed as having both a positive and negative influence on sleep. Most research suggests that consumption of alcohol before sleep has a detrimental impact on sleep quality and quantity. Due to alcohols fast metabolism, the effects of alcohol on sleep can change between the first and second half […]