How champions sleep: Allyson Felix

Allyson Felix is one of the greatest Olympians in history and the most decorated World athletics track and field athlete of all time(18 medals). A large part of her longevity and success has been attributed to her focus on maintaining consistent and quality sleep.

Backstory

Allyson Felix grew up on Los Angeles California to a minister and elementary school teacher. While she later achieved much success while competing professional she was not alone in her family. Her older brother Wes also a track star winning the junior Olympics for track in the 200 meter sprint.

In high school and college, Felix was nothing short of spectacular. She won numerous events in high school which led to an eventual sponsorship from Adidas catapulting her college and professional career.

Felix began her professional career in 2003 at the age of 17 and at the age of 18 she won her first Olympic medal. Since she's gone on to be one of the most successful athletes in US history and an icon in sports.

Her sleep routine

For Allyson Felix, that routine involves an 11 p.m. bedtime, limiting screen time before bed, and having quiet time that gets her ready for sleep.

But, as she states, her focus on improving her sleep isn't just a pre-bedtime ritual. She wakes up each day around 6:30 or 7 a.m. and starts her day with a bit of reading time outside in the sun to make sure she's properly aligning her circadian rhythm in the morning.

What's next?

Talk to your Crescent Health coach to try out Allyson Felix's sleep routine and see how an Olympian maximizes their sleep and recovery.