Sleep and performance go hand in hand for many reasons.  It is vital for your body to get the proper amount of sleep so that you can reach your full potential and function to the best of your ability.  For athletes, it’s particularly important because of the amount of exercise that is incorporated into their daily routine.

There are many studies that accurately cite the importance of sleep and a regular sleeping schedule.  Some researchers have concluded that a good night of rest improves academic performance as well as athletic performance.  The problem that athletes and active people face is that their muscles can become stiff and sore, making it difficult to relax and get the sleep they need.

Below we are going to look closer at sleep and athletic performance as well as the role our Seattle massage therapy can play in making sure you are able to get a good night of sleep.  We also have a few tips and techniques that you can use to make sure you are getting enough sleep.  If all else fails, however,  regular sessions of relaxing massage may be just what you need to get the rest you need.

Sleep = Better Athletic Performance

Professional & amateur athletes as well as active lifestyle people are always on the run physically and mentally.  Whether their traveling for sporting events, exercising for practice, or under the stress of competition and work, it’s not hard to see why they might need assistance in a getting a good night sleep because their mind and body are constantly on the go.  However, eventually this will start to take a toll on the body as well as top performance, if the correct amount of sleep is not reached. 

Physical & Mental Benefits of Regular, Restful Sleep for Athletes

Tips for Getting Better Sleep

There are many ways one can increase the ability to fall asleep. Some options include:

1. Having a sleep routine- One way to create a better sleep pattern is by creating and sticking to a sleep schedule.  A sleep schedule should include waking up and going to bed at the same time every day.  Eventually your body will get into the habit of such nature and problems falling asleep and waking up are less likely to arise.
2. Having a proper eating schedule – A lot of what we eat strongly affects our ability to sleep according to many sleep experts.  Not only is about what we eat but also when we eat it.  Many people find it easier to fall asleep if you avoid eating at least 2 hours before going to bed.  However, with the fast pace schedule of an athlete, sometimes it’s difficult.  If you feel you must have something to eat before bedtime, try cutting back on foods containing protein since it provides energy, and instead choosing a complex carbohydrate, not pocessed.
3. Having a better exercise schedule – Athletes typically try to stick to a regular workout and training schedule.  Some however, go above and beyond to produce greater results by exercising within and outside of their schedule.  If you happen to be one of those that like to exercise before bedtime, choose to eliminate high cardio for at least 3 hours before bedtime.  Instead, choose a more subtle routine such as swimming, which uses every muscle in your body but doesn’t make your heart work extra hard.
4. Listening to relaxing music – Another method that has been proven to work time and time again for most people is relaxing music before bedtime.  Today you can even find music dedicated for people who choose music as their sleep alternative.  Relaxing music has been shown to reduce stress and anxiety which could be extremely useful for athletes who tend to stress nights before a big game or event.
5. Using various breathing techniques – One of the best ways for a good night’s sleep is the use of specific breathing techniques.  Through the research of many meditation practitioners and those who perform yoga, breathing techniques have been proven to show a reduction in stress and anxiety and clear the mind for a peaceful tranquility which ultimately calls for better results and performance.
6. Massage therapy – Proven research has shown that massage Seattle is a way to make sure your body is not tense, and is more easily able to get to sleep at night.  Massage therapy flushes the toxins out of muscles that store up toxins during intense activity.  Here at Thrive Healing Massage, our massage therapists are experts in massage for the active lifestyle and athletes in Seattle.

Better Sleep with Seattle Massage Therapy

If you find that a sports injury or sore aching muscles are preventing you from being able to sleep consistently on a nightly basis, Call our clinic at 206-547-5677 or schedule an appointment online.  Our Seattle Massage Therapists can treat your sports injury, which can allow you to get the much needed sleep you have been missing.

Enhancing sleep patterns is a common tactic for optimizing the peak performance of any athlete.  It is not always about how much sleep one gets, but it is more about the quality of sleep.  This is why a good night of sleep is so important in many ways, and why here at Thrive we are dedicated to using various massage techniques and therapies to help people regain the ability to fall asleep naturally and get a full night of sleep.