Tag: sleep

How Sleep Impacts Performance

There is a lot on your plate and we get it. 

Most people understand that sleep plays a powerful role in their overall well-being, but few give it it’s due when it comes to being ready to play your best on game day. In fact, studies have shown that sleep is equally important to hydration, mental toughness, physical conditioning, and nutrition. Here are a few areas of your baseball/softball performance that are impacted by sleep:

Accuracy

Accuracy is vital to all sports, including baseball and softball, and it may come as no surprise that accuracy is affected by sleep. A recent study of Stanford University basketball players took accuracy results both after regular sleep schedules and then with 10 hours of sleep per night. Athletes saw noticeable improvements in accuracy and speed with 10 hours of sleep.

Injury

Injuries increase when less sleep is involved, and a study by the University of California confirmed this. They showed that risk of injury increased if the athlete got less than 6 hours of sleep at night, plus less sleep means less time for your body to use sleep for regeneration and healing. Sleeplessness also contributes to a weakened immune system, which impacts play as well.

Problem Solving

Try making a decision with a little sleep deprivation involved and it’s hard. Reaction times are slower and the cognitive processes are too. Getting ample sleep means a sharper mind come gameday.

Shorter Career

Not many of our athletes are going to make a career in baseball or softball, but a study of major league baseball players found that not getting enough sleep was directly correlated to shorter careers in the MLB. Just another indicator that you’re not your best when you’re fatigued, and a marker athletes at all levels should pay attention to.

At D-BAT, we care about developing the whole player. Come see us to learn more about how to be play your best on gameday at one of our ongoing clinics (clinic specifics vary by location). It’s just one of the ways we strive to be the best baseball and softball training facility in the country! Find the location nearest you HERE!

The Value of Sleep: Why Rest is Important in Baseball

How many hours of sleep are you getting each night?

Chances are – it’s not enough.

Studies show that the average person between puberty and age 26 should be getting about 9.5 hours of sleep a night for maximum cognitive and physical ability. Many within this age group will claim 7 hours, but studies show the average is normally around 6 hours of sleep total. You may not immediately realize the effects of sleep deprivation on baseball, but lack of sleep can affect your game more than you realize.

Afternoon Drowsiness

Most people suffer from a drop in energy mid-afternoon, but for those suffering for lack of sleep, the effects can be greater. For baseball players, this means it may interfere with afternoon baseball practices or games and inhibit your ability to play your best.

Slower Reaction Time

Studies of college athletes have shown that a lack of sleep does in fact affect their reaction time. And in a game of baseball – when seconds count – the ability to think sharply is even more critical. Whether you are throwing a pitch, up at bat, or making a play – reaction times are critical. If you are sleep deprived, you may not even realize how much better you could be with a little better sleep routine.

Lack of Interpersonal Skills

When a baseball player isn’t getting enough sleep, studies show that his teamwork abilities and sense of humor may decline as well. This is not to say that he can’t work well with his team, but again, he may not even realize how much better he could be.

Stress

Our bodies need sleep to fight off stress and reset for the day to come. Whether that stress is induced by physical activity such as a game or practice – or just mental stress – our bodies must have time to recuperate or lasting effects occur.

Sleep is a valuable component for any baseball player, so getting at least 8 hours of quality sleep is key during the baseball season. Talk with your coach or an expert at D-BAT Sports about how to build a well-rounded baseball training plan that incorporates proper sleep, nutrition, weight training, and more. Find a location HERE!