Managers Are Waking Up To The Importance Of Players Sleep
There is a significant amount of pressure that professional footballers go through on a weekly basis and it is easy for many to forget the toll that this has on the body, not just physically, but also mentally.
It is important for a footballer to ensure that they get the balance right when it comes to rest and sleep, especially based on how physically demanding that their job is. Training sessions in particular can be rigorous, especially if the style of players’ coaches is highly physical.
As such, rest becomes even more important and there have been many different techniques that players have used over the decades in order to get the requisite amount of rest and recommended hours per night sleep.
Numerous managers over the years have placed significant emphasis on making sure players get enough rest and a minimum number of hours per night, with some even going to what some might interpret as ‘extreme lengths’ by having beds installed at training grounds, even going as far as having single hybrid mattress toppers as instructed by coaches who consult sleep specialists.
Of course, many coaches have their preferred matress suppliers, with many being advised about the best ones to provide players – certainly Simba is one that numerous in the game use and seemingly, to good effect.
Effects Of Sleep For Footballers
Due to the considerable amount of physical exertion and the punishment that footballers put their bodies through, having a good sleep routine is essential. Indeed, some managers even like their players to rest between training sessions, if they have one in the morning and then afternoon, as this can provide a vital recharge.
From @Sports_Health: inadequate sleep had negative impact on young soccer players. The data is compelling. Sleep is critical for everyone in performance fields: athletes, surgeons, researchers, trainers, PT, etc. Go to bed early tonight. @mayoclinicsport @sleepfoundation https://t.co/kjyA6M9fVU
— Christopher Camp, MD (@ChrisCampMD) August 16, 2018
Marcelo Bielsa is a big advocate of his players getting a suitable amount of rest, particularly based on the extreme rigours that he puts his players through and the intense style of play that he encourages.
There have been several studies conducted over the years that have gone into the importance of sleep on young athletes – especially footballers, which have gleaned absorbing results.
What Other Factors Are Just As Important
When combined with a good night sleep, there are also other factors that can help football players such as being in the right environment. New Liverpool manager Arne Slot has been vocal about wanting his players to stay at home prior to matches due to an increased chance of them getting better rest.
Conversely, some coaches are different and promote the camaraderie/team spirit atmosphere of togetherness. Sir Alex Ferguson used to like his players being in a hotel the night before a game, engaging in activities before getting a good night sleep, with each player sharing with someone else.
Diet and nutrition is also important for footballers and making sure that they eat the right food that will not only repair their bodies and give them all of the right nutrition, but making sure the food they eat helps with being able to sleep better.
Some players also engage in relaxation techniques to help them sleep better, such as meditation and yoga as this can help considerably with their breathing techniques, relax their muscles and provide them with a state of mind that is clear of thoughts and negative energy – all important ingredients for a good a night sleep as possible.
It appears to be that the recommended number of hours sleep per day for footballers is between eight and nine hours to give them best possible chance of elite performance, from a professional standpoint.
What Could Future Developments Look Like?
Over the next few years as more and more people become aware of the importance of sleep – especially professional athletes, we could well see a significant amount of investment put into ensuring that footballers especially are educated about the benefits of sleep.
Not only this, but it could well be that professional football clubs install sleep specialists that provide players with all the right tools and advice about getting an adequate amount of sleep per night, based on the frequency and intensity of their training sessions and individual match performances.