A new study found that recreational runners who get poor sleep are nearly twice as likely (1.78 times) to sustain a running-related injury compared to well-rested runners. The research treats sleep as a multifaceted factor, concluding that short duration, low quality and frequent sleep problems all significantly increase injury risk. Poor sleep compromises the body’s physical recovery by hindering crucial processes like growth hormone release for tissue repair and increasing inflammation through cortisol imbalance. Mentally, sleep deprivation leads to diminished focus and coordination, which increases the likelihood of a misstep or improper running form. The study establishes that sleep is a critical, non-negotiable component…

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