Hey packlings 👋
How is one TeamUSA athlete avoiding the cardboard beds in the Olympic Village? And what are the sleep accommodations like on the Olympic surfers’ cruise ship like in Tahiti? We’ve got the scoop in this week's edition of Sleep & Fitness!
🤸 U.S. Olympic Gymnast Ships His Bed to Paris
2023 world bronze-medalist, Fred Richard wasn't taking any chances on the new cardboard beds, so he had his own shipped into the Olympic village. For the biggest event of the athletes’ careers, the USA Gymnastics team members were assured access to mattress toppers and bed-cooling systems but Richard was the only one to take the initiative and bring his own. He wanted to ensure he was comfortable, in a room that felt like his own, so that he could perform his best on the world stage. Because of this, the gymnast reports he’s been sleeping like a king. Similar to him, the Swedish swimmer Sarah Sjöström was incredibly grateful to have her own mattress shipped in and avoid the controversial cardboard furniture. Though most of the Olympians are okay with their sleep amenities, Richard and Sjöström are great examples of how seriously some athletes take personalizing their sleeping space and accessories to get reliable rest.
🚢 Far Out! Olympic Surfers Sleeping Aboard a Cruise Ship In Tahiti
For the first time in the history of the Olympic Games, surfers are not staying in the Olympic Village, but rather on a cruise ship just off the shore of Tahiti. The Aranui 5 ship accommodates 230 passengers with a spa, and a gym, with eight guest decks. These lucky surfers and coaches take small boats between the ship and the competition, affording them even more privacy and time to rest. There’s media restrictions aboard too, though some athletes have shared photos and videos of their quarters to offer a glimpse of the floating village. In their free time, the passengers are welcome to a 24-hour dining hall, fully stocked Olympic gift store, and an activity center that includes both ping pong and foosball tables. Surfer Kanoa Igarashi of Japan states in one video that their little village is even better than the one in Paris. The Games are full of firsts, and maybe this one will take off in the future as well!
🏊 Michael Phelps - The Road to Gold is Good Sleep
As the Paris Games kick off, the most decorated Olympian of all time shared his thoughts on the importance of sleep in the first post-pandemic Games. Phelps recently talked about how great the camaraderie is during the Olympics, but called out that in the adrenaline filled, bustling Olympic competition, athletes can really struggle with obtaining enough sleep. Despite being retired from professional swimming, Phelps still works to sleep his best on a nightly basis - continuing to work out consistently, staying off screens two hours before bed, and incorporating an infrared sauna and cold plunge into his routine. It’s great perspective from Phelps, for athletes to balance taking part in the spirit of the Games while also prioritizing one's rest and recovery to secure a podium finish.
💤 USA Gymnastics’ Secret Weapon for Sleeping
Simone Biles isn’t the only card the USA Gymnastics team has hidden up their sleeve! To help provide comfort from the cardboard beds and the heat of the Parisian summer without air conditioning, the team members are using special mattresses that reduce sweat. Supplied by BedJet, these comfort sleep systems attach to any bed and use air combined with a patented Cloud Sheet to wick away body heat and sweat trapped in the bed. This allows for rapid cooling relief and improved sleep. Simone Biles’ personal coach says the women are sleeping better already. BedJet’s founder appeared on Shark Tank in 2015 and left without a deal, but despite this, the company is currently thriving and receiving positive reviews from their customers. These now include the US gold medalist gymnastics team.
Whether it’s hearing stories about elite athlete’s commitment to sleep, staying updated on the newest Olympic accommodations, or taking advice from legendary athletes - we’re on a journey to improve our routine sleep and fitness. Remember to follow @lagoonsleep on Instagram for your daily dose of sleep & fitness news and entertainment.
