Here’s the detailed article on dietary supplements for improving sleep in athletes, adhering to the specified length and quality requirements.
Biologically active additives (dietary supplements) to improve sleep athlete: detailed review
Section 1: Sleep value for sports performance
Sleep is a cornerstone of health and high performance for athletes of any level. While the general population often underestimates the importance of sufficient sleep, for athletes its value increases many times. Sleep is not just a time for relaxation, it is an active physiological process during which the restoration, tissue regeneration, memory consolidation, hormonal regulation and optimization of cognitive functions occurs. Chronic lack of sleep can seriously undermine sports achievements, increasing the risk of injuries, reducing the reaction rate, worsening decision -making and weakening the immune system.
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Muscle restoration: During sleep, the body distinguishes the growth hormone (GR), which plays a key role in the restoration and growth of muscle tissue. The lack of sleep reduces the level of gr, slowing down the healing process of microtraumas obtained during training, and preventing the increase in muscle mass. Moreover, sleep promotes the synthesis of the protein necessary for the restoration and strengthening of muscles.
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Energy recovery: Glycogen, the main form of glucose storage in the muscles and liver, is a vital source of energy for athletes. During sleep, the body restores glycogen reserves, providing fuel for upcoming training and competitions. The lack of sleep leads to a decrease in glycogen reserves, which leads to fatigue, a decrease in endurance and a deterioration in the results.
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Hormonal balance: Dream has a deep effect on the hormonal balance, especially on hormones that regulate appetite, stress and restoration. As already mentioned, GR plays an important role in restoration. Cortisol, stress hormone usually decreases during sleep, which allows the body to relax and recover. The lack of sleep increases the level of cortisol, which leads to chronic stress, inflammation and deterioration of recovery. Leptin and ghrelin, hormones that regulate appetite are also affected by sleep. The lack of sleep reduces the level of leptin (satiety hormone) and increases the level of ghrelin (hormone hunger), which leads to an increase in appetite and potential weight gain.
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Cognitive function: Dream plays a decisive role in cognitive function, including concentration, attention, memory and decision -making. Athletes who require quick decision -making, accuracy and strategic thinking are especially sensitive to the negative effect of a lack of sleep. Studies have shown that lack of sleep reduces the reaction rate, worsens concentration and increases the likelihood of errors.
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Immune function: During sleep, the immune system is actively working on the restoration and strengthening of the body’s protection from diseases. The lack of sleep weakens the immune system, making athletes more susceptible to infections, which can lead to a passage of training and competitions.
Section 2: Factors affecting the sleep of an athlete
Several factors can affect the quality and amount of sleep in athletes. Understanding these factors is crucial for the development of effective strategies for improving sleep.
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Intensive training: Intensive training, especially those that include high-intensity interval training (HIIT) or strength training, can disrupt sleep due to the increased level of cortisol and the excitation of the nervous system. Overtraining, the state of chronic stress caused by excessive training without sufficient recovery, can also lead to serious sleep disturbances.
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Competition and travel schedule: The schedule of competitions, especially for athletes who travel through various time zones, can seriously disrupt circid rhythms, the internal watches of the body that regulate the sleeping cycle. Changing time zones can lead to jetlag, state of fatigue, disorientation and sleep disturbance.
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Pre -arying excitement and stress: The upcoming competitions can cause excitement and stress, which leads to difficulties with falling asleep and maintaining sleep. The pressure associated with the need to perform well, and fear of failures can lead to insomnia.
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Dietary factors: The time of eating and the choice of food can also affect sleep. Eating a large amount of food, especially oily or spicy, can cause discomfort in the stomach before bedtime and disrupt sleep. Caffeine and alcohol, the common ingredients of many drinks can interfere with sleep, especially if they are consumed closely.
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Environment: The environment in which the athlete sleeps can also affect the quality of sleep. Noise, light and temperature can interfere with sleep. The perfect sleep environment is dark, quiet and cool.
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Medical conditions: Certain medical conditions, such as apnea in a dream, restless legs syndrome and chronic pain, can disturb sleep. It is important to exclude or treat these conditions in order to improve the quality of sleep.
Section 3: A review of dietary supplements that potentially improve sleep in athletes
If there are problems with sleep, the correction of the regime, diet, sleep hygiene is always priority measures. However, in some cases, after consulting a doctor or a sports nutritionist, dietary supplements can be considered to support sleep. It is important to note that the effectiveness and safety of dietary supplements can vary, and it is necessary to approach their use with caution and awareness of possible risks.
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Melatonin: Melatonin is a hormone naturally produced by the pineal gland in the brain, which plays a key role in regulating the sleeping cycle. Synthetic additives of melatonin are widely used to treat insomnia and jetting. Melatonin can help reduce the time of falling asleep, improve sleep quality and increase the total duration of sleep. Athletes traveling through various time zones, melatonin can be especially useful to facilitate the jetlag. However, it is important to note that the optimal dosage of melatonin can vary from a person to a person, and it is recommended to start with a low dose and gradually increase it if necessary. Malatonin prolonged use should be avoided without consulting a doctor. Side effects can include drowsiness, headache and dizziness. Melatonin should be taken only before bedtime, in a darkened room.
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Magnesium: Magnesium is an indispensable mineral that plays a role in many physiological processes, including muscle function, nervous system and sleep regulation. Magnesium helps to relax muscles, reduce stress and improve sleep quality. Magnesium deficiency can lead to insomnia, muscle cramps and anxiety. Athletes, especially those who are engaged in intensive training, can be exposed to increased risk of magnesium deficiency due to the loss of magnesium with later. Magnesium additives can help improve sleep, especially in those who experience magnesium deficiency. There are various forms of magnesium, such as magnesium citrate, magnesium glycine and magnesium oxide. Magnesium glycinate is considered more bioavailable and is better tolerated than other forms. It is important to note that high doses of magnesium can cause diarrhea.
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L-Triptophan: L-tripthophanes is an indispensable amino acid, which is the predecessor of serotonin and melatonin, neurotransmitters who play a role in regulating mood and sleep. L-tripthophanes can help improve sleep, reduce anxiety and improve mood. However, the effectiveness of L-tripthophanes as a supplement for sleep can vary, and additional studies are needed to fully understand its impact on sleep. L-tripthophanes should take on an empty stomach before going to bed for better absorption.
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Glycine: Glycine is an amino acid that has soothing properties and can help improve sleep quality. Glycine can help reduce body temperature, which contributes to falling asleep. It can also help improve the structure of sleep, increasing the time spent in a slow dream. Studies have shown that glycine can help improve sleep in people with insomnia.
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Valerian: Valerian is a grass that is traditionally used to treat insomnia and anxiety. Valerian contains compounds that can have a calming effect on the nervous system. Valerian can help reduce falling asleep, improve sleep quality and reduce the number of night awakenings. However, the effectiveness of valerian can vary from a person to a person, and additional studies are needed to fully understand her influence on sleep. Valerian can cause side effects, such as drowsiness, headache and stomach disorder.
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Chamomile: Chamomile is a grass that is traditionally used to treat anxiety and insomnia. Chamomile contains an apigenin, an antioxidant that can have a calming effect on the nervous system. Romashki tea can help relax and improve sleep. Studies have shown that chamomile can help improve sleep in people with insomnia.
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GABA (gamma-aminomatic acid): Gaba is a neurotransmitter that has soothing properties and helps to reduce anxiety and improve sleep. Gaba can help reduce the activity of the nervous system, contributing to relaxation and falling asleep. However, the effectiveness of Gaba additives to improve sleep remains the subject of discussions, since Gaba can poorly penetrate the hematoencephalic barrier.
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L-theanine: L-theanine is an amino acid contained in tea, which has soothing properties and can help reduce anxiety and improve sleep. L-theanine can help increase the gaba level in the brain, contributing to relaxation and improving sleep. L-theanine does not cause drowsiness, but can help relax and improve the quality of sleep.
Section 4: Recommendations for the use of dietary supplement to improve sleep
Before taking any dietary supplement to improve sleep, athletes should consult a doctor or a sports nutritionist. It is important to exclude any basic medical conditions that can cause sleep problems. In addition, it is necessary to take into account the potential interactions of dietary supplements with other drugs or additives that the athlete is already taking.
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Start with low doses: At the beginning of taking a new dietary supplement, it is recommended to start with a low dose and gradually increase it if necessary. This allows you to evaluate tolerance and minimize the risk of side effects.
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Take dietary supplement at the right time: The dietary supplement time can also affect their effectiveness. For example, melatonin should be taken immediately before bedtime, and L-tripthophanes should be taken on an empty stomach before bedtime.
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Pay attention to the quality of the product: It is important to choose a dietary supplement from reliable manufacturers who test their products for cleanliness and efficiency. Look for products certified by third-party organizations such as NSF International or Informed-Sport.
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Be realistic in expectations: Bad is not a miraculous tool for improving sleep. They can be useful as an addition to other strategies for improving sleep, such as sleep hygiene and diet correction.
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Follow the reaction: Carefully monitor your dietary supplement reaction and stop taking them if you have any side effects.
Section 5: Nepharmacological strategies for sleep improvement
In addition to dietary supplements, there are many non -pharmacological strategies that can help improve sleeping at the athletes. These strategies include:
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Sleep hygiene: Sleep hygiene is a set of practices that are aimed at improving the quality of sleep. These practices include:
- Regular sleep schedule: Go to bed and wake up at the same time every day, even on weekends to help regulate circus rhythms.
- Creating a relaxing routine before bedtime: Develop a relaxing routine before bedtime, which may include reading, taking a warm bath or listening to calm music.
- Sleep optimization: Make sure your bedroom is dark, quiet and cool.
- Avoid caffeine and alcohol before bedtime: Caffeine and alcohol can interfere with sleep, so they should be avoided before bedtime.
- Regular physical exercises: Regular physical exercises can improve sleep, but avoid intense exercises close to bed.
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Cognitive-behavioral therapy for insomnia (KPT): KPT B is a type of therapy that helps people with insomnia change their thoughts and behavior associated with sleep. KPT B is an effective method of treating insomnia and can help people improve sleep quality and reduce falling asleep.
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Relaxation techniques: Relaxation techniques, such as meditation, yoga and breathing exercises, can help reduce stress and anxiety, which can improve sleep.
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Diet: Proper nutrition can also affect sleep. It is important to avoid eating a large amount of food before bedtime and limit the consumption of caffeine and alcohol. Some products, such as cherries and kiwi, contain melatonin and can help improve sleep.
Section 6: specific dietary supplements for athletes experiencing difficulties in sleep due to overtraining
Obraint is a state of chronic stress caused by excessive training without sufficient recovery. Obrains can lead to serious sleep disturbances, as well as to other symptoms, such as fatigue, decreased performance and increased susceptibility to infections. In addition to general strategies for improving sleep, athletes experiencing difficulties in sleep due to overtraining, the following dietary supplements may be useful:
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Adaptogens: Adaptogens are a group of herbs that can help the body adapt to stress. Adaptogens, such as Rodiola Pink, Ashvaganda and Siberian ginseng, can help reduce cortisol levels, improve mood and increase stress resistance. Adaptogens can help improve sleeping among athletes experiencing overtraining.
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Glutamine: Glutamin is an amino acid that plays an important role in the restoration of muscles and immune function. Glutamin can help reduce inflammation and improve recovery after training. Glutamin can also help improve sleep among athletes experiencing overtraining.
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Probiotics: Probiotics are living microorganisms that have a positive effect on the intestinal health. Probiotics can help improve immune function and reduce inflammation. Studies have shown that probiotics can help improve sleep in people with insomnia.
Section 7: risks and side effects of dietary supplements for sleeping
Although dietary supplements can be useful to improve sleep, it is important to know about potential risks and side effects.
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Interactions with drugs: Bad can interact with other medicines that the athlete takes. It is important to consult a doctor or pharmacist to make sure that dietary supplements do not interact with other medicines.
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Side effects: Bad can cause side effects, such as drowsiness, headache, stomach disorder and dizziness. It is important to monitor your reaction to the dietary supplement and stop taking them if you have any side effects.
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Lack of regulation: The dietary supplement is not regulated by FDA as strictly as medicines. This means that the quality and purity of dietary supplements can vary. It is important to choose a dietary supplement from reliable manufacturers who test their products for cleanliness and efficiency.
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Addiction: Some dietary supplements, such as melatonin, can cause addiction with prolonged use. It is important to use dietary supplements with caution and only as necessary.
Section 8: Final recommendations
Improving sleep is a multifaceted process that requires an integrated approach. Bad can be useful as an addition to other strategies for improving sleep, such as sleep hygiene, correction of diet and relaxation technique. However, it is important to approach the use of dietary supplements with caution and awareness of possible risks. Before taking any dietary supplement to improve sleep, athletes should consult a doctor or a sports nutritionist. They can help determine the main causes of sleep problems and develop an individual treatment plan. Remember that sufficient and high -quality sleep is a fundamental factor for achieving optimal sports performance and maintaining overall health and well -being.