Fueling Champions Week 32: Sleep & Rest Part 1

Intro: Why Sleep Isn’t Just Rest

Sleep is more than rest — it’s your athlete’s built-in recovery system. In this lesson, we break down the science behind how sleep works, the roles of each sleep stage, and how it directly fuels growth, recovery, and mental sharpness. From light sleep to REM, you’ll see how each cycle plays a unique part in helping your child show up stronger — both physically and mentally.

Summary: What Sleep Really Does For Your Athlete

In Part 1, you learned how the circadian rhythm and sleep-wake homeostasis regulate the timing and pressure for sleep. We explored how light, deep, and REM sleep contribute to memory, tissue repair, immune function, and emotional resilience. You also discovered how lack of sleep disrupts appetite hormones, increases cravings, and impairs decision-making — all of which impact performance. The key takeaway? Sleep isn’t a luxury — it’s a performance essential.