Overcoming Insomnia: Should Athletes Avoid Training Late?

If you're an athlete dealing with insomnia, you might be concerned that training intensely, particularly late in the evening, will further disrupt your sleep. This worry is understandable, but it's essential to recognize it as a common trap: the habit of appeasing insomnia.

Appeasing insomnia, which is changing your life drastically to avoid every possible sleep disturbance, is very unhelpful. It's like being stuck in a toxic relationship; no matter how carefully you tread, insomnia can still bite back. Especially when it involves something as crucial as your training and personal passions.

Could intense late-evening workouts potentially affect your sleep? Sure, in theory. But adding it to the extensive list of potential sleep disruptions won't help you overcome insomnia. Instead, it could lead you to avoid things you genuinely love and enjoy, which will only hinder your recovery.

When I struggled with insomnia, I didn't get better by meticulously avoiding anything that might interfere with sleep. On the contrary, I overcame insomnia by no longer worrying about potential sleep disruptions. Ironically, the less effort I put into avoiding disruptions, the better my sleep became. My sleep hygiene these days is horrific.

Training for the sport you love is profoundly important for your overall happiness and well-being. In my experience, the sooner you embrace the life you genuinely want—without overthinking its potential impact on sleep—the quicker you'll recover from insomnia.

Yes, occasionally you might have to train or compete while feeling sleep-deprived. That's okay. One tough night or a suboptimal training session won't derail your recovery. You don't need perfection to overcome insomnia. In fact, adopting a relaxed, "no-big-deal" attitude can significantly aid your progress.

Of course, if you have medical concerns related to training, always consult your healthcare provider. This advice isn't meant to replace professional medical guidance.

Ultimately, living life in fear of potential sleep disruptions isn't sustainable or helpful. Remember, before insomnia took hold, you probably never feared a single poor night's sleep. People without insomnia experience sleep disruptions too. It happens to everyone, even those who've recovered from insomnia. It’s not about avoiding every disruption; it's about breaking the cycle of fear around sleeplessness.

Here's my key advice: One of the best ways to permanently overcome insomnia is to live as if you don't have insomnia at all. Train passionately, pursue your goals boldly, and let the fear of imperfect sleep gradually fade away. Embracing this mindset can help you reclaim restful nights and the freedom to fully enjoy your life again.