When Super Bowl season rolls around, most fans are busy talking about touchdowns, star players, or even Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce. But while the spotlight is on the celebrities and the big game, top athletes like Patrick Mahomes of the Kansas City Chiefs and Brock Purdy of the San Francisco 49ers are staying focused. They know that to win, they need more than just strong arms and smart plays—they need high-quality sleep and recovery.
Let’s take a closer look at how these NFL quarterbacks use sleep as a secret weapon—and how you can do the same.
Sleep Is Just As Important As Training for Athletes
You might think that athletes only get better by training hard. While practice and workouts are super important, rest is just as critical. After intense physical activity, the body needs time to repair muscles and recover. The brain also needs rest to stay sharp, focused, and ready for action.
Without enough sleep, athletes can feel tired, make mistakes, and even increase their risk of injury. That’s why sleep is one of the most powerful tools for any athlete looking to perform at their best—whether you’re playing in the NFL or just running around your neighborhood.
Why Experts Say Sleep Is Essential for Peak Performance
Organizations like the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and the NCAA have clearly stated how important sleep is for athletes. Studies show that poor sleep can lead to more injuries, weaker muscles, slower reaction times, and difficulty making decisions. It can even affect memory and focus.
That’s why sleep isn’t just about feeling rested—it actually helps your body work better and keeps your mind alert during competition. Whether you’re a professional athlete or someone who enjoys working out, quality sleep can seriously improve performance.
How Patrick Mahomes Uses Sleep to Stay on Top
Patrick Mahomes, one of the NFL’s top quarterbacks, takes his sleep routine seriously. According to GQ magazine, Mahomes sticks to a consistent schedule—waking up at 7 a.m. and going to bed by 10 p.m. He once slept nearly 15 hours before a big game against the Chargers in 2021, and that extra rest helped lead his team to victory with a score of 34-28.
Mahomes understands that good sleep helps his body recover and gives him a mental edge on the field. He doesn’t just rely on talent—he makes sure his body is ready with enough rest each night.
Mahomes Sleeps Even More During the Playoffs
During the most important part of the season—the NFL playoffs—Mahomes goes even further. Using data from WHOOP, a wearable recovery tracker used by NFL players, it was shown that he increased his average sleep time by 8.1% during the 2021 playoffs compared to the regular season. That means when the pressure is highest, he gets even more sleep.
Sure, there’s a funny rumor that he eats Doritos in bed before sleeping—but what really matters is how committed he is to getting the rest his body needs.
Brock Purdy’s Bedtime Routine: Smart Sleep Habits for Recovery
Brock Purdy, the young quarterback for the 49ers, also takes sleep very seriously. He gets at least 9 hours of sleep each night. His routine starts early—around 6 p.m.—when he puts on blue light-blocking glasses to protect his eyes from screens. Then, around 8 p.m., he takes a warm shower, turns off his phone, and reads a book before going to bed.
Purdy says this routine helped him a lot when recovering from elbow surgery in 2023. As a newer player in the league, he’s still learning from the veterans, but he knows that sleep plays a big part in helping him stay strong and focused.
What You Can Learn From These NFL Sleep Routines
You don’t have to be an NFL star to benefit from good sleep habits. According to the American Academy of Sleep Medicine, adults should aim for at least 7 hours of sleep each night. Getting enough sleep can help you move better, think faster, and feel more energized—whether you’re playing sports or just going through your daily routine.
Even better, sleep and exercise help each other. If you sleep well, you’ll perform better during workouts. And if you exercise regularly, it can actually help you sleep better at night. That’s a win-win for your health and fitness.
Final Thoughts: Make Sleep Part of Your Game Plan
Patrick Mahomes and Brock Purdy are proof that good sleep can give you a real advantage, both physically and mentally. Whether you’re training for a sport, recovering from a tough workout, or just trying to feel your best, getting enough quality rest is one of the smartest things you can do.
So take a page from the playbooks of these top quarterbacks—make sleep part of your training routine, and you might be surprised at how much better you feel and perform.