Insomnia is a sly enemy for anyone, but for a sports trader, it can prove to be particularly harmful . Both the mind and body require restorative sleep to tackle daily challenges, especially when engaged in sports trading. I’ve decided to share my personal experience of how I defeated insomnia in just thirty days, not only improving my mental and physical well-being but also my performance in sports trading.
The importance of regular sleep for a Sports Trader
Sport trading’s world is a dynamic and high-pressure environment where making quick and considered decisions is essential. However, a lack of sleep can significantly compromise cognitive and decision-making abilities.
Research shows that poor-quality or insufficient sleep can lead to errors, indecision, and reduced concentration. This is why I decided to address insomnia and improve my mental and physical health.
My journey to beat insomnia
- Consistent wake-up time
The biological clock thrives on regularity to function at its best. I began setting my alarm for the same time every day, stabilizing my circadian rhythm. This made it easier for me to fall asleep at night and wake up in the morning.
- Naps, but with limits
I learned that power naps can be beneficial, but only if they are short. I limited my “power naps” to a maximum of 30 minutes, using an alarm to avoid entering the REM phase and disturbing my nighttime sleep.
- Blue light blocker
Blue lights from screens and lamps can affect melatonin levels, the hormone that regulates sleep. I adopted blue-blocking glasses after dinner to protect my circadian rhythm and promote natural sleep.
- No alcohol and light dinner
Alcohol can disrupt sleep, so I stopped consuming it after 8 PM. Additionally, I moved dinner to 7 PM, opting for light and nutritious meals. This improved my digestion and made sleep more comfortable.
- Magnesium supplementation
Magnesium is a mineral that can promote muscle relaxation and mental tranquility. I started taking magnesium supplements before bedtime, contributing to the improvement of my sleep quality.
- Evening stretching
I added an evening stretching routine to my pre-sleep routine. This helps relax muscles and release tension accumulated during the day, promoting deeper sleep.
- Creating an optimal sleep environment
I adjusted the temperature of my room and found that a lower temperature promotes deep sleep. Also, I made sure to sleep well-covered to avoid sudden drops in body temperature during the night.
- Embracing sleep when it comes
When sleep arrives, I don’t wait. I’ve become accustomed to going to bed as soon as I feel the first signs of fatigue. This improved my sleep efficiency and made my wake-ups fresher.
- Journaling before bed
Journaling, i.e., jotting down thoughts and concerns before bed, helped me clear my mind of unnecessary thoughts. This practice made my pre-sleep ritual more relaxing and contributed to improving my sleep.
Monitoring with the Oura Ring
To understand the effectiveness of my changes, I used the Oura Ring, a device that monitors sleep quality, which I’ve been using for over a year.
This tool allowed me to evaluate, in the case of insomnia specifically, what was working and what could be further optimized behaviorally.
I must say that the results were extraordinary. Beside overcoming insomnia, my mind became sharper, my decision-making abilities more accurate, and my performance in sports trading significantly improved.
Beating insomnia was a crucial step toward achieving success and well-being in my life as a sports trader.
