Explain how adequate sleep can reduce fatigue and help prevent injury in athletes. (4 marks)
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- Deep sleep stimulates the release of growth hormone, which repairs muscle tissue damaged during training. This means athletes begin each session physically recovered, reducing accumulated fatigue.
- Adequate sleep restores mental alertness. As a result, reaction time, concentration and decision-making are maintained during training and competition.
- Well-rested athletes maintain coordination and technique, so movement patterns stay efficient. This reduces the risk of injuries caused by poor landing, tackling or changing direction.
- Sleep deprivation causes athletes to fatigue earlier. Fatigued muscles absorb force less effectively, increasing the risk of strains and sprains late in a session.
- Studies of adolescent athletes consistently show that those who regularly sleep less than eight hours per night are more likely to be injured. This supports adequate sleep as a key strategy for injury prevention.
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- Deep sleep stimulates the release of growth hormone, which repairs muscle tissue damaged during training. This means athletes begin each session physically recovered, reducing accumulated fatigue.
- Adequate sleep restores mental alertness. As a result, reaction time, concentration and decision-making are maintained during training and competition.
- Well-rested athletes maintain coordination and technique, so movement patterns stay efficient. This reduces the risk of injuries caused by poor landing, tackling or changing direction.
- Sleep deprivation causes athletes to fatigue earlier. Fatigued muscles absorb force less effectively, increasing the risk of strains and sprains late in a session.
- Studies of adolescent athletes consistently show that those who regularly sleep less than eight hours per night are more likely to be injured. This supports adequate sleep as a key strategy for injury prevention.