The Best Pickleball Advice Ever Has to Do With Sleep

The importance of consistently getting a good night’s sleep cannot be emphasized enough, especially for pickleball enthusiasts looking to enhance their performance on the court.

Adequate rest empowers your brain to unleash its full potential, boosting your memory and cognitive abilities. But that’s not all! Quality sleep also helps regulate mood, promotes heart health, and balances the hormones responsible for managing appetite.

Here are a few methods Pickleball Rookie uses to improve our sleep, and we hope they help you, too!

TRACK YOUR ZZZs
The accuracy of sleep trackers is a topic of debate, as they can range from moderately precise to downright misleading. Nevertheless, consistently using a sleep tracker can help you establish a baseline and set goals for improvement. (We recommend the Amazfit Bip S for budget-conscious folks and a Whoop band, my tracker of choice, for those willing to splurge.)

UNPLUG AND UNWIND
Say goodbye to electronics at least two hours before bedtime. In our digitally-driven world, it’s crucial to quiet your mind and eliminate unnecessary distractions before hitting the sack.

On the topic of distractions…

EMBRACE THE DARKNESS
Create a cool, dark environment for sleep. Exposure to light can trick your internal clock into thinking it’s time to wake up, so the darker your sleep space, the better your chances of sleeping deeply. Maintain a comfortable room temperature for optimal rest.

CALM YOUR MIND
Keep intrusive thoughts at bay. Instead, focus on feelings of gratitude and tranquility, and let everything else fade away. Avoid dwelling on past events, worrying about the future, or making mental to-do lists.

MASTER YOUR MEALS
Avoid overeating and stay hydrated by drinking water one to two hours before bedtime. Steer clear of foods that trigger acid reflux (such as garlic), limit caffeine intake to at least 8 hours before sleep, and avoid alcohol.

DON’T OVER-ANALYZE
Don’t let sleep anxiety get the best of you. Although sleep is essential, resting in a dark room with deep, focused breathing can help you regain a significant portion of your energy. Remember, even with less sleep, you can still function effectively for a reasonable amount of time.

STICK TO A ROUTINE
The advice many people dislike but need to hear: consistency is key. Maintaining a regular sleep schedule by going to bed and waking up at similar times every day helps your body know what to expect. It may seem strict, but adhering to a stable sleep routine can make all the difference.

RELAXATION TECHNIQUES
Implement relaxation techniques such as progressive muscle relaxation, deep breathing exercises, or meditation to help ease your mind and body into a state of calmness. By releasing tension and slowing down your thoughts, you can encourage a smoother transition to sleep.

EXERCISE REGULARLY
Physical activity plays an essential role in promoting healthy sleep patterns. Exercising regularly, ideally in the morning or early afternoon, can help regulate your body’s internal clock and improve the overall quality of your sleep. However, avoid rigorous pickleball close to bedtime, as it may stimulate the body and make it more challenging to fall asleep.

NAPPING STRATEGICALLY
While napping can provide a quick energy boost, it’s essential to nap strategically to avoid disrupting your nighttime sleep. Limit naps to 20-30 minutes and avoid napping too close to bedtime. The best time for a nap is typically in the early afternoon, allowing you to recharge without interfering with your sleep schedule.

CREATE A SLEEP SANCTUARY
Transform your bedroom into a sleep sanctuary by making it a comfortable, clean, and clutter-free environment. Invest in a high-quality mattress, pillows, and bedding that suit your preferences. Keep your bedroom organized and free of distractions to promote a sense of relaxation and tranquility.

AROMATHERAPY
Incorporate aromatherapy into your bedtime routine by using essential oils like lavender or chamomile, known to promote relaxation and sleep. You can use a diffuser or apply diluted essential oils directly to your skin, such as wrists or temples. The soothing scents can help create a calming atmosphere, signaling your body that it’s time to unwind.

UNPLUG FROM WORK
To set the stage for a restful night, separate your work life from your home life. Avoid checking work emails, participating in work-related discussions, or engaging in any work-related tasks in the hours leading up to bedtime. This separation can help reduce stress and anxiety, allowing your mind to shift into a more relaxed state.

PRACTICE GOOD SLEEP HYGIENE
Maintain good sleep hygiene by establishing a consistent pre-sleep routine that signals your body that it’s time to wind down. This may include reading a book, taking a warm bath, or practicing gentle stretches. Avoid stimulating activities, such as watching television or using electronic devices, as they can interfere with the body’s natural sleep process.

CONSIDER A SLEEP MASK
Yes, a comfortable sleep mask can help improve sleep for many individuals. Sleep masks block out light, which can be especially beneficial for those sensitive to light or living in environments with excessive light pollution. Blocking out light can help increase melatonin production, a hormone that regulates the sleep-wake cycle. Pickleball Rookie prefers Manta sleep masks!

In a study by Haghayegh et al. (2019), researchers found that using an eye mask significantly improved sleep quality and increased rapid eye movement (REM) sleep duration. REM sleep is an essential part of the sleep cycle, associated with dreaming, and critical for cognitive and emotional functioning.

It’s essential to choose a comfortable sleep mask, it should fit well and be made of breathable material. Comfort is vital, as an ill-fitting or uncomfortable sleep mask may have the opposite effect, making it difficult to fall asleep or stay asleep.

SLEEP ALONE?
The preference for sleeping alone or next to someone varies greatly among individuals and can be influenced by several factors, such as personal comfort, relationship quality, and sleep habits of the partner.

Research on the topic has shown mixed results. Some studies have found that individuals, especially couples, report better sleep quality when sharing a bed with their partner. This is thought to be due to the feelings of safety, security, and emotional bonding that occur when sleeping with a loved one.

On the other hand, some research indicates that sharing a bed can lead to sleep disturbances, particularly if one partner has sleep issues like snoring, sleep apnea, or restless leg syndrome. In such cases, sleeping separately might lead to better sleep quality.

When in doubt, Non-Sleep Deep Rest is a lifesaver!

A study by Troxel et al. (2007) found that women who reported higher relationship satisfaction had better sleep quality when sharing a bed with their partner. However, the same study showed that bed-sharing led to more sleep disruptions for women compared to sleeping alone, regardless of relationship satisfaction.

In conclusion, whether a person sleeps better alone or with someone depends on individual preferences and circumstances. Factors such as relationship satisfaction, personal comfort, and the sleep habits of both individuals can influence the overall sleep experience.