Not getting enough sleep? Your body will feel the pain.
Getting more sleep can have a dramatic effect on sports performance, according to a new study.
The research, released by Bensons For Beds, revealed that having just two extra hours in bed can increase speed by 15% and reaction times by 12%.
Conducted over two weeks, the study challenged members of Durham University Sports Team to five different sports tests, measuring reaction time, strength, pain, speed and endurance at different levels of sleep.
Dr Guy Meadows, sleep expert and Founder of The Sleep School, said: “The results of this test are striking to see such a huge improvement in physical ability after increasing sleep by only two hours.
“What’s even more interesting is to note that almost half of UK people sleep for 25% less than the recommended seven to eight hours, so they are doing their bodies such a disservice.
“We all know we should get more sleep, but this study shows how much better we could be doing physically, if we prioritise a good night’s sleep.”
As well as increasing physical performance, participants also reported an increase in subjective performance levels, with a quarter feeling more confident, one in five feeling more positive and relaxed, and 15% feeling more healthy overall.
Lynda Matthews, Head of Marketing for Bensons For Beds, said: “The findings from the study clearly show that getting a good night’s sleep has a huge impact, not only on sporting performance, but also on the way we view our personal health.
“At Bensons For Beds we’re committed to finding ways to improve the nation’s sleep, both through our products and by investing in research to better understand the impact sleep has on different areas of daily life, ensuring we can provide insights and tips to make a real difference in improving the quality of people’s lives.”
