Tara Lipinski Shares Her Winning Sleep Tips

At just 15 years old, Tara Lipinski became the youngest winner of an individual event in history while competing for Team USA at the Olympic Winter Games Nagano 1998. The American athlete grabbed the gold medal in women’s figure skating—and became a sports legend in the process.

During the height of her professional figure skating career, Lipinski understood the importance of a good night’s sleep for her athletic performance. “Sleep was a non-negotiable for me,” she tells Saatva. “I really think at the elite level, everything is about recovery—mentally and physically—and you can train for hours, but if you’re not resting well, you’re not gaining that extra edge.”

When she didn’t prioritize her sleep, her reaction time would be slower, her focus wouldn’t be there, and her body couldn’t perform the way it needed to, adds Lipinski. “So rest was just as important as time on the ice,” she says.

“Sleep was a non-negotiable for me. I really think at the elite level, everything is about recovery—mentally and physically—and you can train for hours, but if you’re not resting well, you’re not gaining that extra edge.” – Tara Lipinski

These days, Lipinski is as busy as ever. She’s transitioned into a career as a broadcaster and will be a figure skating analyst during the Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026. 

She’s also mom to an adorable daughter, Georgie (you can follow her motherhood journey on her social media)—and an ambassador for Saatva!

Watch this video to learn more about Lipinski’s sleep routine, why she’s partnering with Saatva as an ambassador, and more:

So, how does Lipinski handle it all? Sleep plays a key role in her life—now more than ever. Keep reading for Lipinski’s winning sleep tips and to find out her nighttime strategies.

Tara Lipinski’s top sleep tips

1. Prioritize sleep as an essential activity

Lipinski says she doesn’t treat sleep like it’s a bonus—she treats it like it’s training. “Sometimes it’s tempting to glorify the hustle and the long hours, but real longevity in sport and in life comes from respecting recovery,” she explains. “Your body and mind will thank you.”

As Lipinski also notes, “In the long run, sleep isn’t just about rest—it’s about repair and preparation and resilience.”

​“Sometimes it’s tempting to glorify the hustle and the long hours, but real longevity in sport and in life comes from respecting recovery. Your body and mind will thank you.” – Tara Lipinski

2. Pack—and plan—wisely when traveling

Lipinski often travels for work and believes sleep routines become even more important when you’re on the road and not at home. That’s why she likes to pack little comforts from home, whether that’s a travel pillow or a silk eye mask. “To be fancy, I even take a little lavender mist,” she says.

As for plane travel? “My trick is to hydrate constantly,” she says. She also sets her watch to the destination time zone and tries to mimic her own bedtime rituals when away from home, even if the setting is different.

3. Protect your sleep as a parent

As a mom, Lipinski says sleep has taken on a new meaning for her. “It’s mental recovery, it’s sanity, it’s how I show up, not just for my daughter, but for my work, my relationships, and even myself,” she says. “I used to think sleep was something you pushed through, and now I really think of it as something you protect.”

Like so many moms, Lipinski shares that this is still a bit of a work in progress for her—and she often puts herself last. “But l’ve learned that when I actually do carve out space for real rest, I’m way more present, more patient, and more grounded,” she says.

There are a few ways Lipinski protects her sleep as a parent. “It’s about setting boundaries, turning off the screens, asking for help, and creating a bedroom environment that feels calm and restorative.” Because, as she notes, “A good night’s sleep isn’t just indulgent—it’s essential.”

Next, learn about how Saatva is supporting Team USA’s sleep and restoration.