Getting at least eight hours of sleep is as vital as training and hydration in order to keep the body strong

Photo by Doğukan Şahin/Unsplash

According to a study published in the Journal of Science and Medicine in Sport, there’s a new way to avoid injuries: getting enough sleep every day. The study points out that getting at least eight hours of sleep is as vital as training, nutrition and hydration in order to keep the body strong.

The researchers examined 95 endurance athletes (including runners, swimmers, cyclists and triathletes) and took note of their cardiorespiratory health, gastrointestinal and psychological complications in relation to their quality of sleep and daily training routine.

They found that those who had less than seven hours of sleep each night were prone to injuries and end up with weaker muscles and less energy, thus affecting performance. Lack of sleep also weakens protein synthesis, muscle recovery, immune system function and the body’s inflammatory response, which could lead to injury.

Aside from physical performance, sleep also improves mental health and hormonal balance, which both play a huge role in any training regimen.

Subscribe to our newsletter to receive the latest sports news and active lifestyle and fitness features you need