Lagoon | Sleep & Fitness News - Dec 7th, 2023

Hey packlings 👋

Which NFL team is excelling this season because of their dedication to amazing sleep? What’s the best way to revitalize your brain, even when you’re sleep deprived? We’ve got the answers in this week’s  edition of sleep & fitness news, so let’s get into it… 

🏈 NFL’s 49ers Lead the League in Sleep 

Quarterback Brock Purdy, famously snagged as the last pick in the 2022 NFL draft, is showing us how sleep is the real MVP in his 49ers playbook. Jumping from 7 to 9 hours of shut-eye per night this season, Purdy's upping his sleep game, which he says has helped him bounce back from an elbow injury this season. It's not just Purdy, though - the whole 49ers squad is in on this sleep & recovery revolution. Take Fullback Kyle Juszczyk, hitting up twice-daily red light therapy sessions, or George Kittle using a cold plunge from Michael Phelps. And most infamously there’s Nick Bosa, the undisputed king of sleep, clocking a royal 11.5 hours before the team’s Week 10 matchup vs. the Jacksonville Jaguars.  Purdy's not snoozing on the sleep tech either – he's snagged an EightSleep mattress pad and jumped on the cold plunge bandwagon himself.  Word on the street is he's eyeing a Lagoon pillow next.  Anyone know how to get a hold of him to ensure we’re sending it to the right place? 

🧠 Revitalize Your Sleepy Brain in Just 20 Minutes 

Did you know that just 20 minutes of moderate exercise can rejuvenate your tired brain? A recent study of 24 sleep-deprived participants had them taking on math tests and puzzles before and after a cycling session. It turned out that a short, energetic workout significantly boosted their cognitive performance.  There were two separate experiments, in which participants had zero sleep or less than five hours of rest over three nights - and in both cases exercise consistently enhanced their abilities on the basic puzzles and math tests.  Dr. Joe Costello, the study's lead author from the University of Portsmouth, summarizes that while exercise isn't a replacement for sleep, it can effectively counteract the mental sluggishness caused by sleep deprivation. This boost, he suggests, might stem from increased brain chemicals and blood flow due to physical activity. The researchers are eager to explore this further, indicating that movement could indeed be a powerful medicine for both body and brain.

💊 Alarming Rise in Melatonin Use Amongst Youth

Melatonin use among American children is rising sharply, with nearly one in five kids aged 5 to 9 now taking the supplement to aid sleep. The American Academy of Sleep Medicine has raised concerns, urging parents to consult healthcare professionals before administering it. In the U.S., melatonin is available over the counter, unlike in many countries where it's classified as a drug. Research highlights a significant uptick in usage, but also notes that long-term effects on children are still unknown.  Also, an alarming 530% increase in accidental melatonin ingestion by children was reported to U.S. poison control centers from 2012 to 2021.  Experts caution that melatonin should be kept out of children's reach, and recommend exploring changes in sleep routines and habits as alternative solutions for sleep issues.

🏎️ Revving up Recovery with Lewis Hamilton’s Travel Hacks

With a career that requires constant global travel, Lewis Hamilton has honed strategies to maintain peak performance in order to stay at the top of Formula 1.  Key to his routine is adjusting his body clock to different time zones, which he does by modifying his sleep, meal times, and light exposure.  Hamilton emphasizes the importance of a good sleep environment, preferring rooms with blackout curtains and a firm pillow for optimal rest.  Nutrition plays a critical role too; as Hamilton avoids hotel minibars and stocks up on healthy snacks instead. To top off his recovery, he incorporates ice baths and cryotherapy, and he uses meditation and positive affirmations to ensure he stays mentally sharp. Hamilton's approach is another perfect example of an athlete at the top of their sport, who emphasizes the  importance of holistic health management in order to maintain peak performance.  

That's it for this week's sleep news highlights. Stay tuned for more exciting updates on optimizing your sleep and health, and remember to follow @lagoonsleep on Instagram for your daily dose.