In a groundbreaking move for the Indian Olympic team, the contingent heading to the 2024 Paris Olympics will include a sleeping advisor.
This initiative is set to enhance the athletes’ performance by optimizing their sleep and recovery. The introduction of this role underscores the importance of rest and emotional well-being in achieving peak athletic performance.
India’s journey in the Olympics began with a single representative at the 1900 Paris Games. Since then, the country has made significant strides in the international sporting arena. The Tokyo Olympics in 2021 marked the 100th anniversary of India’s official participation in the Olympics, dating back to the 1920 Antwerp Games. Over the years, India has clinched numerous medals, with a notable record of eight gold medals in hockey. Noteworthy individual achievements include Abhinav Bindra’s gold in shooting at the 2008 Beijing Olympics and Neeraj Chopra’s historic gold in javelin at the Tokyo Olympics.
For the first time, the Indian contingent will have a dedicated sleeping advisor, Dr. Monika Sharma, traveling with them to the Paris Olympics. Dr. Sharma is an expert in optimizing sleep for athletes, focusing on enhancing performance and recovery through better sleep practices. Her role will be pivotal in ensuring that Indian athletes can cope with the stress and less-than-ideal sleeping conditions of the Olympic Village.
Sleeping advisor Dr. Monika Sharma is traveling with the Indian contingent to the Paris Olympics // Picture Courtesy — The Sports School
“The Olympic Village is a stressful environment; not ideal sleeping conditions,” Dr. Sharma explained. Her goal is to create a sleep-conducive environment for the athletes, helping them to manage stress and recover efficiently. To aid in this, a special travel sleep kit has been designed for the Indian athletes. This kit includes sleep masks, travel pillows, ear plugs, and other items to ensure comfort and improve sleep quality during their stay.
Sleep is a crucial component of an athlete’s training regimen. It is during sleep that the body undergoes repair and recovery processes, which are essential for optimal performance. Poor sleep can lead to decreased cognitive function, slower reaction times, and increased susceptibility to injuries. By focusing on improving sleep quality, Dr. Sharma aims to enhance the overall performance and well-being of the Indian athletes.
The upcoming Paris Olympics, scheduled from July 26 to August 11, 2024, will host 10,500 athletes from 200 countries or regions. One of the significant challenges anticipated is the intense heat. The “Rings of Fire” report has issued warnings about the extreme temperatures expected during the Games. Such conditions could lead to severe health risks, including heat exhaustion and heatstroke, potentially causing competitors to collapse or, in the worst cases, fatalities. This underscores the importance of adequate rest and recovery, making the role of the sleeping advisor even more critical.
The Indian athletes are expected to sleep well at the Paris Olympics // Picture Courtesy — League 11
In addition to addressing sleep-related issues, the Indian contingent is taking comprehensive measures to ensure their athletes are well-prepared for the challenges of the Paris Olympics. This includes acclimatization strategies, hydration plans, and nutritional support tailored to cope with the extreme heat. The inclusion of a sleeping advisor is part of a broader approach to support athletes’ physical and emotional well-being, aiming to maximize their performance potential.
The introduction of a sleeping advisor for the Indian contingent at the 2024 Paris Olympics marks a significant step forward in athlete support and performance optimization. By addressing the critical aspect of sleep, Dr. Monika Sharma’s role is set to play a pivotal part in the athletes’ success. As India continues to make strides on the global sporting stage, such innovative measures will undoubtedly contribute to more memorable and historic achievements. With the challenges of the Paris Olympics ahead, the Indian team’s holistic approach to athlete preparation highlights their commitment to excellence and well-being.
