Written by: Olivia Liveng
Though the name Alex Morgan has become household at this point, soccer aficionados worldwide may be especially impressed with the star’s ability to perform in all aspects of her life consistently–both on and off the field. Though it’s one of the most watched sports in the world, physically participating in a soccer game can be grueling. Players not only run an average of six miles per game, often in extenuating heat or inclement weather, but the sport inevitably takes a beating on the body as well, with headers, collisions, and yellow cards being common vocabulary in any soccer game.
That’s precisely why this striker and captain for San Diego Wave FC of the National Women’s Soccer League needs to take advantage of her recovery time and prioritize nutrition, meditation, foam rolling, and hydration. But what may be her most significant “game changer”–quite literally–is Morgan’s prioritization of good sleep. “Sleep is critical,” shared Morgan. “It’s the most important. My body is constantly beaten up in practice and games, and I prioritize sleep to perform at my best.”
Below, find more sleeping tips critical to Morgan’s performance success and how we can emulate this soccer star to perform at top caliber in our own lives.
Have A Pillow You Depend On, Even When Traveling
A lack of a good pillow may be to blame if you’ve ever woken up with a stiff neck or can’t put your figure on why you feel so groggy and deflated. Though they are quite a simple invention, sleeping with the wrong pillow can lead to much aggravation and long-term issues regarding head, neck, and back support. And that is precisely why, when Morgan travels, especially for significant events like the Olympics where performance is crucial, bringing a pillow she knows and trusts is imperative.
“When I travel, I can’t choose the mattress I get to sleep on, but I like to take my Molecule pillows and, when I have time, sneak naps in when I can,” said the soccer star. This ensures that Morgan is not feeling unnecessarily groggy or strained while on the field, wherever that field may be.
Be Picky When Choosing A Mattress Brand
Unlike a piece of clothing or even a television, your mattress is going to be a constant in your life for–what should ideally be–over eight hours every single day. That’s why it is important to try many brands, shop around, and, if possible, not make price the only factor when choosing a brand. When purchasing a mattress, doctors recommend considering: quality of materials, breathability and temperature regulation, support and comfort level. Morgan learned early on that Molecule mattresses were the most appealing and best suited for her health and performance levels.
The reasons this particular brand appealed so much to her? “First and foremost – it’s just the most comfortable mattress I’ve slept on,” she explained. “The bed really supports my body for great recovery – especially after a long day on the field. I also really appreciate the cooling features, especially since I live in San Diego, where the weather is always warm. And I love that it’s antimicrobial and clean.”
More importantly, Morgan attests that she now sleeps deeper and wakes up feeling refreshed. “As a mom to a toddler, I also get way less sleep than I used to, so I need to make every hour count, and I feel like I get deeper sleep with Molecule products.” Morgan is true to her word: Molecule loyalty runs deep in her house, with every bedroom sporting a Molecule bed and a Molecule 2 AirTEC™, size king, for her and her husband. “I also use the Molecule pillows, and my new favorite is the CopperWELL foam pillow,” she said. “I always have the cool side of the pillow and never have to flip it.”
Have A Wind-Down Routine
Most sleep doctors would attest that being able to wind down before bed is essential to have a fruitful sleep. Winding down not only helps your busy brain separate the day from the night but also helps you clear your mind and body of the day’s stresses and, hopefully, seamlessly relax into a deep sleep. This is especially important for folks like Morgan, who constantly balance the roles of parent and partner with careers (and, in her case, a job that relies on mental and physical agility).
“Having a wind-down routine is important,” she said. “I like to get off my screen and slow down a bit. Different routines work for different people, so I recommend finding one that works for you. For me, it can vary, but I like to do light stretches or foam rolls before bed.”
