You might think the secret to improving your cycling performance lies solely in more training: harder sprints, interval sessions, climbing steeper hills and an increased volume across the week.
Well, that isn't always the case. In fact, training harder can be a route to burnout, injury or falling ill.
The answer? You need to consider optimising your recovery.
Sleep is, according to many experts, one of the most important elements of becoming a stronger, healthier cyclist.
A high-quality mattress could be instrumental in getting better-quality sleep. The REM-Fit Pocket 1000 mattress is designed with recovery in mind and is currently on offer.
Save on sleep
- Was £499.99 → Now £425 with code BLACK16
- Free accessories included (£99.98 value)
- 200-night risk-free trial & 15-year guarantee
How does sleep help us recover?
Human Growth Hormone (HGH) is released in large quantities from the brain's pituitary gland when you're asleep. As the name suggests, HGH helps repair and rebuild muscles that you've worked during tough rides or workouts.
Poor sleep also spikes ghrelin production, which is often referred to as the 'hunger hormone'. Essentially, bad sleep can lead to bad food choices and weight gain.
Why cyclists may struggle to sleep
Intense exercise can raise your metabolic rate and make it more difficult to settle into sleep afterwards.
Muscle aches and soreness certainly don't help drifting off either, particularly if you're prone to back pain.
The underrated recovery solution
The REM-Fit Pocket 1000 mattress incorporates technologies designed to make your sleep more restful.
The mattress technology itself is filled with jargon, so we'll break it down for you in a way that's simple to digest:
- It employs REMCell cooling foam that's said to be 30 times more breathable than standard memory foam. This helps you maintain a comfortable core temperature for a deep, restorative sleep.
- The 'Pocket 1000' name refers to the 1,000 pocket springs, which are intended to relieve pressure points for optimal spine alignment, no matter what position you sleep in.
- Motion Isolation also means you won't feel your partner shifting around and vice versa, according to REM-Fit.
Want to take your recovery to the next level? Claim your REM-Fit discount here.
If you're unhappy with the mattress, there's a 200-night risk-free trial & 15-year guarantee.