You’ve probably noticed how a good night of sleep improves your overall athletic performance. Studies conducted by the Institute of Sport and Preventive Medicine in Germany have shown that even a minor case of sleep deprivation can cause serious declines in athletic performance, highlighting the importance of dedicating as much time and energy to sleeping as you do to training.
There are several tips and tricks you can utilize when attempting to get a full night of recovery-based sleep, one of which is sleeping on a mattress that stays cool throughout the night.
Benefits of a mattress that stays cool
Scientists have known for many years that our bodies need to be kept cool in order to get the greatest benefit out of sleep. In fact, you may have experienced this phenomenon for yourself as you’ve tossed and turned in bed during a hot summer night. To help facilitate your body’s natural thermoregulation processes, you should look for a mattress made from a material with a high degree of breathability.
By enhancing the body’s natural cooling mechanism, a mattress that stays cool will help you achieve the perfect temperature for deep sleep. However, while a stay-cool mattress may be effective, it’s not the only way you can help yourself get a better night of sleep. Here are a few other ideas.
1.) Unplug and Unwind
Emitted by the electronics we use every day, blue light can halt the production of a hormone called melatonin, which is released to help us fall asleep.
To help counter the negative effects of blue light emitted by electronics, give your body at least an hour away from electronics before bed to limit stimulation from noises and bright lights. You should find that this break will help you relax and prepare for a great night of sleep.
2.) Limit Afternoon Caffeine Caffeinated drinks can be detrimental to sleep if consumed late in the afternoon. If you want to make sure you’re getting the efficient, restorative sleep your body needs, consider cutting yourself off from caffeine during the afternoon and evenings to make sure that any stimulating effects have worn off well before your head hits the pillow at night.
3.) Maintain a sleep schedule Research conducted by the Gatorade Sports Science Institute indicates that athletes often take longer to fall asleep, and have less efficient sleep, than non-athletes.
By creating and sticking to a sleep schedule, you can help your body become accustomed to falling asleep more quickly and regularly.
A better night of sleep and improved athletic performance is possible with the right tools. To learn more about the benefits of a premium mattress that stays cool and leads to your optimal recovery, shop the Accel Sleep™-Hybrid Mattress.
