Surfing legend John John Florence isn’t just about hanging ten on monstrous waves. He knows that recovery, especially sleep, is crucial for peak performance. In a recent YouTube video, John John shares his struggles and triumphs in the quest for quality shut-eye.
John John emphasizes the profound difference sleep makes in his life. “Nine to ten hours is ideal,” he admits. “When I get less, I just feel it – less focused, more sore, just kind of sluggish.” Anyone who’s ever skimped on sleep can relate!
The video gets real about the challenges professional surfers face. Constant travel throws your circadian rhythm into disarray. John John has experimented with various tactics to combat jet lag: gradually adjusting his sleep schedule before a trip, powering through a long flight to be exhausted upon arrival, and even accepting being awake for odd hours and letting his body naturally adjust.
Surprisingly, John John finds the most success with the last approach. He avoids stressing about jet lag and focuses on building strong sleep hygiene at home. This includes healthy habits like eating dinner early – ideally before sunset – to avoid a late-night food coma. He also swears by a hot bath followed by an ice bath to cool down his body temperature, a technique many athletes use to signal sleepiness. Relaxation rituals like sipping tea and taking magnesium every night are also part of his routine.
John John admits with a laugh that his youthful ability to fall asleep anywhere, anytime has faded. Now, a good pillow is a travel essential. He jokes about the constant “pillow hunt” he embarks on when on the road for competitions.
John John’s message is clear: sleep is a non-negotiable for optimal health and performance. Whether you’re a world-class surfer or someone who just wants to feel their best, prioritizing sleep hygiene and creating consistent routines can make a world of difference. So ditch the late-night screen time, create a relaxing bedtime ritual, and maybe invest in a good travel pillow – after all, even world champs need their beauty rest!