Hey packlings 👋
Why is TeamUSA bringing their own AC units to the Paris Olympics? How does Cristiano Ronaldo’s unique sleep schedule keep him at the top of the soccer world? Let’s jump into it in this week’s edition of Sleep & Fitness News!
🇺🇸 TeamUSA Bringing Their Own AC to the Paris Olympics
The Paris Olympic Organizing Committee recently confirmed that no AC units would be provided in the Athlete Village this summer in order to “cut the carbon footprint” of the massive event. However, experts warned in a recent report that the Paris Olympics could be the hottest games in history, with average temperatures having increased approximately 5.5 degrees Fahrenheit since the last time the city hosted the Olympics. So this week Sarah Hirshland, CEO of the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee (USOPC), confirmed the (US) teams would be supplying air conditioning units for their athletes. As we know, temperature regulation is one of the keys to optimal sleep, with an ideal bedroom temperature being between 60 - 67 degrees Fahrenheit. With this crucial addition to the US delegation, it could mean a huge leg up for TeamUSA once the Game begin on July 26th.
⚽ How Does Cristiano Ronaldo Nap His Way to Championships?
Considered one of the greatest soccer players of all time, Ronaldo has won 33 senior trophies in his career including the Golden Shoe, the Club World Cup, and the League player of the year. But this high performance athlete knows success isn’t built only on the training field. At 39, his longevity in the sport is attributed to his unique sleep and fitness routine. Rather than sleeping seven hours all at once, Ronaldo splits up his sleep into 90-minute nap sessions - a technique known as polyphasic sleep. Studies suggest that this schedule can increase alertness, productivity, ability to retain new information, and reaction times - qualities that are essential to the star athlete. To further make the most of his recovery, Ronaldo’s other favorite technique is cryotherapy. This technique, also used by the Olympic sprinter Usain Bolt, implements chambers filled with air frozen to -200C using liquid nitrogen and have been shown to reduce swelling from injury and boost blood circulation in no more than five minutes.
🌙 Regulate Your Temperature with the Scandinavian Sleep Method
Sleeping with a partner may be comforting, but if you’re struggling with disruptions to your sleep, then this method might be for you. Temperature regulation is difficult enough individually, but when two people are trying to share the covers and meet two sets of sleep needs, it’s even more complicated. The Scandinavian Sleep Method can help you avoid irritation from sleepless nights by staying in the same bed but under two different covers. With movement at night and height differences, couples can often sleep uncomfortably when sharing covers. However, under separate blankets, you can stay close (and still cuddle) without disrupting your sleep! Relationships require compromise, but this shows that sleep doesn’t have to be one of them.
🏅Keep Calm and Sleep On - An Olympic Send Off
A once every four years event is less than a month away, and the athletes from India headed to the Paris Olympics are advised by their prime minister that sleeping well will earn them the best results. Neeraj Chopra, defending gold medalist for the javelin throw highlights the importance of self-belief and a focused mindset, gained through sound sleep. He believes this is what allows him to be fearless in competition. In order to give 100%, athletes are tempted to devote their hours to constant practice, but the Indian Prime Minister agrees with Chopra in believing that consistent sleep is the one essential for any sport or competitive field. He urged the Olympians not to compromise on stress-free sleep. With their countries’ expectations resting heavy on their shoulders, this summer’s Olympic athletes know the best way to their dreams of gold are through good rest.
⏰ When is The Best Time of Day to Workout?
Doctors and hospital directors report that exercising 2-3 hours before bed can impact your sleep schedule by stimulating the release of adrenaline and endorphins, while reversing the natural process of your circadian rhythm by raising your core body temperature. Your circadian rhythm tells our body to sleep by dropping its temperature during the night hours, so if you work out in the evening you may struggle with sleeping before the body naturally cools down after a workout. Research studies state that late afternoon to early evening is the optimal time for rigorous exercise as muscle function and body temperature are at their peak. Morning workouts also provide benefits such as boosting metabolism and energy levels throughout the rest of the day. But remember, these cycles vary from person to person, so customize your fitness schedule to your needs.
Whether it’s sharing fitness secrets from top teams, optimizing a daily schedule, or staying up - 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.
