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Experts: sleep is vital before competition

THIS will come as no surprise, but it has been proved scientifically now that getting some extra sleep before a competition can improve energy and boost performance.

Researchers at Stanford University in the United States analysed six healthy male college basketball players. They were told to maintain their usual sleeping habits for two weeks and in the following two weeks they were asked to get as much extra sleep as possible.

Throughout the study, researchers measured the students’ performance in several areas including sprint time and shooting percentages.

By the end of the extended sleep period, the results showed that the average sprint time had decreased by a second and average free throw percentage increased. In addition to this, the athletes also reported increased energy and improved mood during practices and games.

Extra sleep for as little as two weeks significantly improved their game. They ran faster and made more free throws than they did with their typical sleep schedule.

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