Quick Dip: Why Is Sleep Important for Swimmers?

A short read for the car journey

Category: Sleep & Recovery  | Read time: Under 2 minutes

Sleep is not just time when you are doing nothing. While you sleep, your body is recovering and your brain is helping you remember what you have learned.

Training uses both your body and your mind. Good sleep supports recovery, learning, concentration and mood. It helps you arrive ready to understand instructions and practise skills.

When you have not slept well, training may feel harder than usual. You might find it more difficult to concentrate, hold your technique or stay patient when something goes wrong.

One poor night of sleep does not mean you will have a bad session or race. Try not to worry about it. Return to your usual sleep routine and tell your parent, carer or coach if you feel unusually tired or unwell.

Training, school, homework and other activities can make the week busy. Planning a regular bedtime with your family can help protect the sleep you need. For example, agree a time to put your phone or tablet away and begin getting ready for bed. Over the next week, notice how you feel at school and training. You do not need to score every night or expect an immediate change.

Sleep is an important part of your swimming because recovery continues after you leave the pool.

Ask a parent or carer: What is one change we could make to give me enough time to sleep on training nights?

Created by Basingstoke Bluefins Coaching Team