Professional athletes are bound to a vicious cycle of training, practicing, traveling, and playing games during their grueling seasons — so making time for proper R and R can be a challenge.
These players can plan acupuncture, massages and cold/hot tub treatments to help rejuvenate their bodies, but nothing aids in recovery more than sleep. And yes, the hours matter, with the National Sleep Foundation recommending that young adults (18-25) and adults (26-64) get anywhere from seven to nine hours of sleep each night.
We spoke to a handful of athletes about their sleep schedules to find out how the pros maximize their snoozes. New York Mets teammates Jay Bruce and Wilmer Flores broke down their regimens as the arduous 162-game MLB season nears its end. NFL players like Green Bay Packers wide receiver Davante Adams admitted that they sleep as much as possible — but Adams admitted he’s challenged by his deep love for video games like Call of Duty: Black Ops 4. To add some extra perspective, retired NFL star Shannon Sharpe shared how his sleeping schedule changed from his playing days to now, having turned 50 in June.
Leonard Fournette
Getty ImagesKevin C. Cox
Jacksonville Jaguars running back, 23
Davante Adams
Getty ImagesStreeter Lecka
Green Bay Packers wide receiver, 25
Wilmer Flores
Getty ImagesThearon W. Henderson
New York Mets third baseman, 27
Jay Bruce
Getty ImagesRich Schultz
New York Mets rightfielder, 31
Trae Waynes
Getty ImagesHannah Foslien
Vikings cornerback, 26
Shannon Sharpe
Getty ImagesBob Levey
Fox Sports 1 Undisputed host and NFL Hall of Famer, 50
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