Wow another study that proves what successful athletics coaches have known for 100 years.
In pro-running when a guy is on a prep for a major Gift, it is absolutely vital they spend more time resting and sleeping than they would normally.
In 1985 whilst on a Stawell Gift prep I went from sleeping say 7 to 8 hours a night to hitting the sack by 9.00pm and not emerging until after 7.00am. I wasn’t asleep for the whole time as my body clock wouldn’t allow it, but I made sure I was relaxed and trying to sleep as much of the time as I could. I was off work for a fortnight so had the added luxury of getting up going for a brisk walk, eating breakfast then just resting again including another nap in the afternoon.
I was significantly more alert and had far more energy when it was time to go.
Jim Bradley had all his New Year Sprint (1960’s) & Stawell Gift fancies have up to 6 weeks off, just resting, eating & training. He insisted on more sleep and rest than normal. Consequently his athletes found metres in the last 10 to 14 days.