Indian contingent to have a sleep expert at Paris Olympics 2024

The Indian Olympic Association is taking proactive steps to enhance the Indian contingent’s performance at the forthcoming Paris Olympics 2024 by appointing a sleep expert to ensure athletes receive comprehensive sleep support.

There will be high expectations for the athletes competing at the Summer Games. A good night’s sleep is crucial for an athlete before they participate in the big event. However, anxiety, nervousness, and the hopes of millions of fans might prevent the athlete from sleeping comfortably.

To prevent such a scenario at the quadrennial event, the IOA, for the first time, has come up with the idea of onboarding a sleep expert with the Indian contingent for the mega event in Paris.

Dr Monika Sharma, a renowned sleep expert from Sleep Moksha in Panchkula, Haryana, has been constantly engaged with the IOA since December 2023 and will be assisting the Indian athletes in the French capital for the Paris Olympics.

“It started with my work at Sleep Moksha (a sleep wellness clinic in Panchkula, Haryana). They (IOA) noticed the impact of my sleep optimisation program for athletes. They approached me and asked if we could replicate the same benefits for our national athletes, ensuring they get rest as they need to excel at the highest level,” said Dr Sharma as quoted by The Hindu.

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Indian contingent to have the facility of sleep pods at Paris Olympics 2024

Dr Sharma, who has 14 years of experience in Behavioural Sleep Medicine, highlighted that athletes commonly report difficulty falling asleep and emphasized the critical importance of implementing an effective sleep strategy.

“In my interactions, athletes usually complain that it takes them time to fall asleep and it often breaks as well, especially for those who do not have a sleep strategy,” said Dr Sharma.

Having an effective sleep strategy is very crucial, especially as factors like jet lag, varying time zones, and unfamiliar environments can hinder quality sleep.

To counter the same, Indian athletes are undergoing tailored sleep training under Dr Sharma’s guidance to align with their specific needs and schedules. Some athletes have already traveled to Europe to adjust to similar time zones and conditions anticipated in Paris.

Furthermore, athletes will be equipped with a sleep travel kit, including eye masks, earplugs, and neck pillows, alongside access to sleep pods for enhanced rest.

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