A CTV News report examines the work of a Calgary researcher who is working with top rowing athletes to improve their sleep in the hopes of boosting their athletic performance.
When it comes to the Olympics, a fraction of a second can mean the difference between metaling or not. That’s why the Canadian Women’s Eight Olympic Rowing Team is getting some help from science.
“It’s all about recovery, so any sleep extension that they can get, these athletes are travelling a lot, so trying to bank sleep before an important competition is very important,” said Amy Bender, Sleep and Athletic Performance Researcher. “There have been a number of studies that show that a 10-hour time in bed for athletes is very helpful at improving performance and boosting mood.”
Bender had the team wear glasses that blocked blue light, shut off electronic devices at least an hour before bedtime, take 20 minute afternoon naps and spend at least one extra hour in bed at night. The results so far are amazing.
