Ever lie awake the night before a big race and assume your performance is ruined?
The good news is that research suggests a single poor night of sleep immediately before an endurance event is unlikely to significantly impact your race performance. In fact, studies show that many athletes sleep poorly before competition due to excitement, anticipation, and pre-race nerves—yet still perform at a high level. What’s often more important is the quality of sleep you get during the days leading up to the event.
Even more important: don’t let a bad night’s sleep become another source of stress. Anxiety about not sleeping can create more fatigue, tension, and distraction than the lost sleep itself. If you find yourself staring at the ceiling the night before a race, remember that you’re far from alone—and your fitness didn’t disappear overnight. Trust your training, stick to your routine, and focus on the things you can control.