Sleep Like a Champion (Infographic)

Ever wonder why top-achieving athletes, like LeBron James, Roger Federer, Usain Bolt, Michael Phelps, and Maria Sharapova, are perennial all-stars and champions in their sport? Part of is their talent and dedication to grueling training regimens that would cripple mere mortals. But another part of it may be the amount of sleep they get each night.

In a series of studies conducted by ZEO, makers of the electronic sleep coach, along with actual sleep coach, Cheri Mah, who works with collegiate and professional athletes and Olympians, they found that many top achievers routinely get between 8 and 12 hours of sleep per night, while the average Joe gets only just under 7 hours. (The only sleep deprived champ? Tiger Woods, who averages 4-5 hours of sleep each night. Insert your own “because he’s busy sexting” joke here.)

They also found:
* A study published in February 2010 reporting that short sleep duration (less than 6 hours/night) was associated with increased weight gain in men.

* Maximum bench press reduces by 20 pounds after four days of restricted sleep.

* Not getting good quality sleep can have an adverse impact upon sexual performance.

For other eye-opening sleep facts, check out the infographic below.