No one argues how important sleep is for all aspects of your life, including physical and mental performance.
Lorenzo Turicchia, BEDGEAR’s Chief Innovation Officer (and sleep scientist), says the role of sleep in performance has been studied by researchers with results pointing to declines in split-second decision-making following poor sleep.
“A lack of sleep can lead to fatigue, lower energy levels and a lack of focus,” he explains. “More specifically, an inadequate amount of sleep can result in a decreased glycogen levels and carbohydrates necessary for energy output. There is no magic number for how much sleep you need to see an impact in your performance as it is very personal and varies from person to person. That said, research recommends seven to nine hours of sleep to improve mood, performance and concentration.”
Turicchia says that research conducted at Stanford University shows that when students on the Stanford University men’s varsity basketball team had a minimum goal of 10 hours in bed each night, they got significant improvements in shooting percentage, sprint times and reaction time. In particular, free throw and three-point field goal percentages both increased by 9%. They also decreased their 282-foot sprint time from 16.2 seconds to 15.5 seconds.
“That they managed to achieve these results just by changing their sleeping habits is quite astonishing,” shares Turicchia. “This suggests that sleep may be just as important in training as the practice of physical and mental skills.”
Here are five picks from YOGA + Life® to help you get the sleep you need:
Zenbev
One recommended approach to reliable rest is taking Zenbev within an hour of going to sleep. First introduced to us by health expert Bryce Wylde, this is made from a balanced combination of simple, food-based ingredients that encourage the body to make melatonin at night and serotonin during the day. Zenbev contains pumpkin seed powder that is still wrapped in the intact protein bundle that allows for slow release. That’s why it works. It has to do with its molecular size. You can’t achieve the same thing by putting pumpkin seeds in the blender.
SAXX Sleepwalker
“From the moment I put the SAXX Sleepwalker lounge pants and t-shirt on, I knew I was now a PJ guy. I wore the shirt for the next couple days for bed as well as to the office. The soft blend is ultra-lightweight and moisture wicking. It is extremely cooling when on your body. I run a little hot, so this is one of my favorite features. Being a tactile person, this sleepwear collection nails the touch and feel on the body.” ~ Bobby L’Heureux, YOGA + Life® director of partnerships
Cariloha Resort Bamboo Bed Sheets
Settle into relaxation with Cariloha’s bamboo sheets. Featuring a sleek sateen finish with advanced box-stich seams, these sheets offer durability and total softness. In addition to being a carbon neutral product, sustainability remains at the forefront of the sheet’s manufacturing. The thermal-regulating properties help keep you cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter, while the machine washable material insures odor protection and allergy resistance. Invest in your rest! $239
BEDGEAR Pillows
Nothing beats a good sleep, especially when your body really needs the rest. YOGA + Life writers have been testing a pillow from BEDGEAR and have really noticed the comfort. The pillows are designed to allow air flow and body-temperature regulation throughout the night, resulting in a true rest-and-recovery experience. To pair with a pillow, use the Pillow ID to find what’s best for you.
Vena CBD Restful Night Sleep Capsules
When you’re not getting the rest you need, try these small tablets that combine the powers of melatonin, magnesium and CBD into a non-habit-forming solution. We tried these and found them very effective for a deep, uninterrupted sleep so you can wake up ready to flow. $39.95
