If you have ever tried hitting the gym or getting in your daily run while sleep deprived, then you probably know that fatigue and fitness training don’t mix. But, just how bad is it to exercise when you are dog-tired?
Pretty bad, according to a new report. Research indicates that people who workout when they are suffering from sleep deprivation are five times more likely to sustain injuries. The study also revealed that athletes who extended their nightly sleep and reduced accumulated sleep debt reported improvements in various drills conducted after every regular practice.
The study, which was conducted by researchers at the Stanford Sleep Disorders Clinic and Research Laboratory at Stanford University in California, noted significant improvements in athletes’ performances when they were allowed to get a decent amount of shut-eye (roughly 9-10 hours per night).
According to the study, sleep extension in athletes was associated with a faster sprinting drill (approximately 19.12 seconds at baseline versus 17.56 seconds at end of sleep extension), increased hitting accuracy including valid serves (12.6 serves compared to 15.61 serves), and hitting depth drill (10.85 hits versus 15.45 hits).
The study’s author noted that the results prove that sleep truly impacts performance, especially during long competitions. Interestingly, the athletes who participated in the study, confessed that it was only after the research was over that they realized how important it was for them to get adequate sleep.
“Traditionally, elite athletes dedicate numerous hours to daily practice, strength training, and conditioning as well as work closely with nutritionists in hopes of optimizing their athletic performance,” said the study’s lead author. “However, very little, if any, attention is focused on an athlete’s sleeping patterns and habits. While most athletes and coaching staff may believe that sleep is an important contributing factor in sports, many do not realize that optimal or peak performance can only occur when an athlete’s sleep and sleep habits are optimal.”
How many hours of sleep do you average a night? How does lack of sleep affect your workout?
Related Articles:
Getting Fit in Your Own Backyard
Creating an Affordable Fitness Plan