As sleep debt increases over time the problems are exacerbated leading to obvious visible effects on performance. Coaches may become perplexed over the season about a significant drop in an athlete's ability and address everything but the problem, that is, lack of sleep. The athlete obtaining normal sleep patterns and napping is the answer.
Napping, by the sleep deprived, has been shown to improve reaction time, sprinting times and performance on vigilance tasks. The old post-lunch nap improves alertness and aspects of mental and physical performance of athletes following partial sleep loss.
As an athlete ask yourself this:
1. Do I go to bed and wake up at the same times every day?
2. Do I take daily naps if I fail to get enough sleep at night?
As a coach:
3. Do I allow for sleep as part of the athletic schedule?
4. Do I review the issues of rest and recovery peridically throughout the year?
Sleep to Get and stay Strong.