Less Sleep = Decreased Sports Performance

Are you getting enough sleep? Studies have found that athletes that lack sleep can be linked to upsetting the body’s regulation system. Regulation systems help control overeating, energy, and weight gain over time. Seven to eight hours of sleep is recommended for most people;  however for athletes, depending on training, travel, and competition schedule, researchers suggest that nine hours of sleep. Sleep loss can affect athletes in the following areas listed below.

• Learning and memory
People who get the proper amount of sleep learn tasks and perform better.

• Reaction times and coordination
Lack of sleep affects concentration, mental processing, and athletes become more prone to mistakes or accidents.

• Health conditions and disease
Has been linked to an increase in stress hormones, hypertension, and irregular heartbeat.