For athletes, the Olympics represent the pinnacle of their careers – a chance to etch their names in sporting history. However, the relentless pursuit of gold often comes at a cost – sleep. In a groundbreaking move, the Indian contingent heading to the Paris Olympics will be armed with a secret weapon: a sleep advisor and a comprehensive sleep plan.
Combating Challenges: From Jet Lag to Anxiety
Remember Neeraj Chopra’s sleepless nights before his gold medal throw in Tokyo? Europe’s long summer days can wreak havoc on sleep patterns, especially for athletes accustomed to different time zones.
To combat this, Dr. Monika Sharma, a leading expert in sleep optimization for athletes, will be part of the Indian team as per Indian Express.
Three-Pronged approach to sleep success in Paris Olympics
Dr. Sharma’s mission is to create a sleep-conducive environment for the athletes. This will involve three key strategies:
- Education and Sleep Strategies: Many athletes, Dr. Sharma reveals, lack basic knowledge about sleep. She will educate them on sleep hygiene and develop personalized “sleep strategies” prioritizing quality over quantity.
- Sleep Pods and Travel Kits: To combat jet lag and environmental disruptions, athletes will be provided with personal sleep pods within the Athletes’ Village, offering a haven for power naps. Additionally, customized travel kits containing sleep masks, earplugs, and travel pillows will ensure a comfortable sleep on the journey to Paris.
- Addressing Underlying Issues: Dr. Sharma has categorized athletes based on their sleep awareness. Some require basic education, while others have experienced sleep deprivation at previous Olympics. Dr. Sharma tailors her approach to address each athlete’s unique needs.
Science Behind Sleep: Crucial Edge
Prioritizing sleep isn’t just about comfort; it’s about maximizing performance. Studies show that good sleep can improve reaction times by 11%, jump height by 10%, and sprint performance by 4%. Conversely, sleep deprivation increases the risk of injuries by 68%.
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Building champions, one snooze at a time
“At this level,” Dr. Sharma emphasizes, “athletes are looking for an edge. Getting optimum sleep gives them that edge.” By incorporating a scientific sleep plan, the Indian Olympic Association is taking a revolutionary step towards ensuring its athletes arrive in Paris well-rested and ready to chase their Olympic dreams.
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