Justin Verlander Reveals the Real Reason Behind His Success

Baseball season is in full swing, and one of the best players in the game has a not-so-secret weapon: sleep. MLB All-Star Justin Verlander, a pitcher for the Houston Astros who is known for his 90+ mile-per-hour fastballs, is now also known for being a champion sleeper. In a new interview with the New York Times, Verlander says he gets 10 hours of shut-eye a night—and sometimes more.

Jason Verlander’s sleep routine

“I’ve always been good at listening to my body my whole career,” Verlander tells the New York Times. “I just kinda do what makes me feel good. That sounds pretty simplistic but when it really comes down to it I think it’s the best way. Your body will tell you what to do.”

Verlander relies on blackout curtains to block sleep-disrupting light. He also puts his phone on silent or airplane mode so that it doesn’t bother him at night. Teammates have taken notice, and Verlander, who the Times dubs a “sleep guru,” has become a counselor of sorts to the club.

Sleep tips for athletes

What else can athletes—or simply workout enthusiasts—do to improve their sleep stats? We’ve rounded up our best tips from professional sports trainers and sleep experts:

• What a Professional Sports Trainer Knows About Sleep (That You Don’t)
• 5 Things to Look for in a Mattress if You Love Working Out
• The Best Time to Exercise for Better Sleep
• 4 Gentle Stretches to Help You Fall Asleep Faster
• How to Sleep Like an Olympic Athlete
• 6 Best Sleep Tips for Runners
• 7 Best Sleep Tips for Triathletes

Have a question you don’t see addressed here? Send us an email at sleepenlightened@saatva.com.

Image courtesy of MLB