Barcelona bring in sleep specialist to improve recovery and performance | OneFootball

Barcelona are leaving nothing to chance this season, not only in tactics and training, but also in player recovery. 

In fact, the club has taken a modern and scientific approach by adding a new specialist to the first-team staff – a sleep doctor.

According to a report from Mundo Deportivo, Barcelona have introduced a sleep expert to help players recover better from the physical and mental demands of training and matches. 

From reaction times to physical endurance and mental sharpness, Barcelona believe that proper sleep can directly influence these parameters on the field. 

For that reason, the club decided to invest in a specialist who can guide players through healthier sleep routines.

What is his role?

The outlet explains that the role of the sleep doctor has become even more important due to the team’s demanding travel schedule. 

Barcelona often face long trips, where jet lag becomes a serious factor. 

Furthermore, the team frequently returns from away matches in the early hours of the morning, which disrupts normal sleep patterns.

Barcelona are leaving nothing to chance. (Photo by Angel Martinez/Getty Images)

Players are regularly exposed to changes in time zones, match schedules, and diets. 

These factors can create psychosocial stress, anxiety, and fatigue after games or travel. Managing these effects is now considered a vital part of modern football preparation.

While most people are advised to get at least eight hours of sleep to function properly, professional footballers may need even more. 

Their bodies go through intense physical stress, and recovery time becomes essential to maintain peak performance.

To help players sleep better, the specialist provides a set of practical guidelines. 

These include maintaining a consistent pre-sleep routine, avoiding screens for at least an hour before bed, and staying away from caffeine for up to ten hours before sleeping.

The environment also plays a crucial role, as the players are advised to sleep in rooms that are dark, quiet, and cool, with carefully controlled temperatures. 

Small adjustments like these can make a significant difference in recovery.