Sleeping Patterns

I am a big believer in getting optimal sleep to increase your body's chance for a healthier lifestyle.

I come across so many people both within football and business who underestimate the importance of sleep but yet complain about always feeling tired then resorting to many cups of coffee to get them through the day......NOT GOOD!!

If you work hard you have to rest well too otherwise something will give within your health sooner rather than later. Even minimal amounts of sleep loss can have a bearing on people’s mood and stress levels.

My understanding of humans is that we have a link with sun rise and sun set which works with the body clock. If you look at some of the influential fitness gurus out there (Paul Chek, Charles Poliquin, John Williams), they will all highlight the importance of optimal sleep.

I try to aim to be in bed at about 10pm especially the night before a game to help the recovery process of the body (many say you recover the most physically before 2am then mentally up until you wake). 

Exercise and healthy eating are obviously important elements to a healthy lifestyle but sleep is as important, not many people appreciate the importance of it. As a professional footballer alertness and productivity are of high importance to me and they are both affected by the amount of sleep.

Sleep is vital but what you eat before you sleep is just as important!! Eating sugary foods is not a great idea as you want your blood sugar levels to be steady and not sending your body crazy which will then have a huge impact of the quality of sleep you have.