john Arne Riise Attributes intense Training & career Longevity to a Surprisingly Limited Sleep Schedule
Former Norway international John Arne Riise, the nation’s moast capped player, has revealed a demanding training regimen coupled with a remarkably consistent sleep pattern of just five hours per night - a habit maintained throughout his professional career. The 43-year-old admits the lack of sleep is a detriment but credits it, alongside relentless training, as a key to his sustained performance.
Riise’s insights offer a rare glimpse into the sacrifices elite athletes make and challenge conventional wisdom surrounding recovery. While sports science increasingly emphasizes the importance of sleep for optimal athletic function,Riise’s experience suggests individual responses can vary significantly. His comments raise questions about personalized recovery strategies and the potential for athletes to adapt to unconventional routines.
The Liverpool and fulham veteran acknowledges the potential downsides of his sleep schedule. “It’s a big minus, but at the same time I’ve been like that my whole career,” Riise stated. He noted his coach, Muren, often expresses disbelief at his ability to maintain intense training sessions on so little rest, jokingly predicting an eventual “bang” consequently.
Riise detailed his typical sleep duration, stating, “I rarely sleep more than five hours a day.” He concedes that increased sleep could have improved training results but remains unsure. Prior to matches, he would attempt to extend his sleep to seven or eight hours, but five hours remained his standard.
The former footballer confirmed this pattern persisted throughout his entire professional career, highlighting a long-term adaptation to limited rest. the revelation offers a unique outlook on athlete resilience and the complex interplay between training, recovery, and individual physiology.
