How Danny Green stays sleep fit

“Sleep is one of the most important parts of my game. My mental and physical strength and sharpness rely on it.”

 

Danny Green is a Los Angeles Lakers star and two-time NBA champion. The epitome of a true New York underdog, the 11-year NBA veteran rose from the D-league to become one of the most formidable players in the game. Green is revered for his three-point shots and a championship pedigree in the NBA.

How important is sleep for you?

I think sleep is probably the most important thing that we need for our bodies. It's right up there with fitness, nutrition, hydration, and training. When you want to be your best self and performing at a high level, you need sleep. Learning over the past couple of years about how important sleep is, I've definitely taken it a lot more seriously and I've seen a big change in my performance on and off the court. I'm more focused now, and my attention span is a lot better than it has ever been.

It's important to be the best version of yourself and to me, the only way to do that is to get proper sleep every night and feel refreshed and recovered the next morning. Getting enough sleep allows you to put your best foot forward.

How long have you been using the Eight Sleep Pod?

I've been using Eight Sleep products for a couple of months now and my favorite product is definitely the Pod because it helps me understand my sleeping habits and it educates me on how important sleep is. 

The Pod keeps me cool at night, especially since I used to get very hot while I slept. My body temperature rises quite a bit at night, so I would try to have fans and AC on as much as possible. But with the Pod, it's so much easier just to keep the bed cool. I don't need all those things anymore, and it keeps me from sweating. Usually, when I'm hot at night, I'll wake up with headaches. So sleeping cool on the Pod has helped me a ton. It's been huge in that sense. 

What has your experience been sleeping on the Pod?

It's been amazing. Sleeping on the Pod helped me get better rest and better REM sleep throughout the night. I'm not waking up in the middle of the night, tossing and turning, and I'm not sweating or waking up with headaches. It's been an extremely key clutch deal on my performance every day, not just on the court, but it also allows me to feel awake and fresh in the morning.

What are some of the benefits of sleeping on the Pod?

Sleeping on the Pod has changed my performance in that it's allowed me to be more focused for longer periods of time because I'm well-rested. I also get more REM sleep, and when you get better REM sleep, you're able to go through your day with more energy, focus, and attention to detail for longer periods of time. 

It's very important to feed your body with food but also with sleep, and the Pod has helped me understand that. 

 

"Sleeping on the Pod has helped me a ton. It's helped me get better rest and better REM sleep throughout the night. I'm not waking up in the middle of the night, tossing and turning, or I'm not sweating or waking up with headaches."

 

What metrics are you most interested in within the Eight Sleep app?

I focus on my average time slept. The Pod educates me on what my body needs including my ideal sleeping temperature and the best temperature for me to fall asleep quickly. 

Do you consider Sleep as Fitness?

They are one and the same. Fitness doesn't happen without rest and recovery and sleep is a big part of that. Being fit includes taking care of your body, getting the right foods and getting the proper rest and sleep. Resting both your body and your mind is a big part of fitness.

What is your sleep ritual, how do you prepare yourself for sleep?

My sleep ritual usually involves just trying to wind down by shutting out the noise, putting away my phone, reflecting on the day, and trying to clear my mind to be able to rest properly. 

I try to cut off all the lights and TVs and make it as cool and dark as possible in the room. Once I get in that mode, I try to get into my sleep position. Usually, I'm a stomach sleeper.

Why have you chosen to invest in and partner with Eight Sleep? 

I've chosen to partner with Eight Sleep because I genuinely believe in their products. Authenticity is the most important thing to me. I want people to know that when I am involved in or partnered with something, I believe in it and it's a part of my active everyday life. Eight Sleep is certainly one of those partners for me.