What is one reason why athletes might neglect their sleep?

Athletes may neglect their sleep due to a lack of understanding of its importance in their overall performance and recovery. Many athletes focus on physical training and competition, sometimes overlooking that adequate sleep is critical for optimal physical and mental functioning. Sleep plays a fundamental role in muscle recovery, hormone regulation, and cognitive function, all of which are essential for an athlete's success. When athletes are not fully aware of how significantly sleep affects their training, performance, and health, they might prioritize other activities over getting sufficient rest, inadvertently hindering their athletic development. Understanding the science behind sleep's influence can lead to better decisions regarding rest and recovery strategies.