Sleep like an Olympian

Two-time Olympic champion Gabby Thomas shares her sleep secrets.

IN a nutshell Happy Friday, Wellness Wire fam! Today's topic is one of our all-time favorites, and something we can't wait to do this weekend: sleep. We're kicking things off by interviewing sprinter Gabby Thomas, a two-time gold medalist, about the sleep secrets that help her excel in and out of the Olympics. Then, we're talking about: • 6 supplements to help you sleep better • What is breathwork meditation? • A massive blanket for burrito-ing yourself Be well, Morgan Mandriota Newsletter Editor, Healthline

Written by Morgan Mandriota April 28, 2023 • 4 min read

Exercise and nutrition are essential training elements for Olympic champion Gabby Thomas, but sleep ranks just as high on her priority list. She shares her sleeping habits with us below. They have kept her physically and mentally fit to compete at the highest level for the last 10 years, so listen up! *This interview has been edited for length and clarity. Q: What inspired you to start prioritizing sleep to optimize your athletic performance? A: When you're younger, you're looking at the obvious things that you need to be focusing on. As an athlete, that's primarily the exercise and training on that day, and it's kind of this very in-the-moment focus. During my teen years, I learned if I didn't get quality sleep, I wouldn't train as effectively and it mattered less what nutrition I put in my body. I wouldn't be where I am today as a gold medalist if I hadn't learned that. Q: What's your sleep routine like nowadays? A: I have a whole routine that I look forward to that gets me excited for rest and sleep. I typically make tea, cuddle up with my dog, turn off the TV, and read a book for a while. Then I meditate and write in a journal. [I do] something that gets me relaxed and my mind not working so much because there's so much going on throughout the day. Then I go to bed. Q: How do you find the balance between training and resting? A: Olympic athletes like to have fun, too. I don't like to be too hard or too strict on myself. Getting sleep and rest is not a source of anxiety for me. It's something that I figured out how to work into my life and makes me happy. Sometimes I don't stick to those times on the dot, but it's a goal and what I aim for. Q: Which resources helped you boost your sleep health? A: I leaned on my track and field coach at Harvard University, and the doctors from whom I received care. I also tapped into my degree in neurobiology and global health. The start of my sleep journey was getting informed and figuring out what works for me, and I'd encourage everyone to do the same. As an Olympic athlete and a public health advocate, I'd love to see everyone prioritize their own overall health, and sleep is such an important part of that. Scroll down to the end of this email to rate this interview on a one-click smiley scale!

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Weird Science Supplements for better sleep There are several ways to elevate your sleep game and score better Zzz's. One of those methods include natural remedies, like taking certain supplements. Here are six supps that might help boost your sleep quality: 1. ginkgo biloba 2. glycine 3. valerian root 4. magnesium 5. L-theanine 6. lavender Precautions: Consider combining supplementation with other proven strategies for better sleep, like these 17 tips. However, be careful not to take more than one supplement at a time. And, as always, speak with a doctor before trying new products to make sure they're right for you.

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Thanks for reading! Have a lovely, restful weekend, and we'll see you again on Monday.

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