Get Your Zzzzz's!

3 Reasons Why Sleep is Important for College Athletes

By Kelly Wick|Updated on June 27, 2023 (originally published on February 20, 2023)

As a college athlete, you know how important it is to get in shape and stay in shape. You also know how important it is to eat healthy and get enough rest. But what you might not know is how important sleep is for college athletes.

Getting a good night's sleep can be tough when you're a college student, but it's essential to make it a priority. There are many benefits of sleep for college athletes, including: improved athletic performance, help with weight control, and a decreased risk of injury. Athletes who get enough sleep also tend to have better concentration and focus and are less likely to suffer from burnout.

Check out these big three benefits of sleep:

1. Performance Enhancement

It is well established that sleep is essential for optimal athletic performance. But why is rest so critical? In short, sleep is crucial for good athletic performance because it allows the body to recover from the strenuous physical activity that is required of athletics. Poor sleep can lead to fatigue, decreased coordination, and impaired judgment, all of which can negatively affect athletic performance (and possibly lead to injuries–more on that later).

Numerous studies have shown that sleep deprivation can negatively affect athletic performance. For example, one study found that male and female tennis players had decreased serve accuracy of up to 53% compared to their performance when they had adequate sleep. Another study of eleven healthy basketball players from Stanford University showed that optimal sleep is beneficial for peak athletic performance. Another study found that sleep quality and quantity were linked to musculoskeletal injuries in adolescent track and field athletes. So if you want to be at your best when you're on the field or the court, make sure you're getting enough sleep.

2. Weight Control

If you are in a sport where you need to manage your weight, getting adequate sleep each night is essential. In fact, lack of sleep can lead to weight gain. When you don't get enough rest your body releases a hormone called ghrelin, which is responsible for making you hungry. Not only that, when you are tired your decision-making skills and willpower become impaired which often leads to poor eating habits and too much snacking at night. In one study subjects who got four hours of sleep per night for two nights had an increased appetite and cravings for sweet foods compared to those who received six hours of sleep each night.

3. Optimal Recovery

Finally, sleep is essential for college athletes because it helps the body recover from workouts and prevent injuries. When you don't get enough sleep, your body can't repair itself as well and you're more likely to get hurt. Additionally, athletes who don't get enough sleep are at a higher risk for injuries because they may not be as alert on the field or court when performing their tasks. When you're tired, your reaction time slows down and you might overreact to things which can cause an injury. Also, athletes who get too little sleep are more likely to suffer from muscle strain or joint pain because their muscles aren't as flexible when they haven't had enough rest.

The bottom line is that sleep is essential for optimal athletic performance. Athletes who get enough sleep are more likely to perform at their best, while those who don't get enough sleep are more likely to experience fatigue, poor coordination, and impaired judgment. Try to go to bed at the same time every night and limit distractions in your bedroom so you can get the rest you need–your body will thank you for it!

Have an idea for a story or a question you need answered? Email us at [email protected]