Why Sleep Wins Championships – Recovery in Elite Ice Hockey
When the 2026 IIHF Ice Hockey World Championship takes place in Switzerland, teams will face one of the toughest challenges in elite sport: delivering peak performance repeatedly, with very limited recovery time between games. In this environment, one factor becomes decisive: recovery – and therefore sleep.
In ice hockey, milliseconds matter. Reaction speed, decision-making and physical presence depend directly on how well athletes recover between matches.
“Sleep is recovery number one.”
— Patrick Fischer, Head Coach of the Swiss National Ice Hockey Team
Sleep is active recovery, not rest
Sleep is not a passive state. During the night, the body performs essential recovery tasks:
- Muscle repair and tissue regeneration
- Nervous system recovery
- Stress processing
- Cognitive and reaction-time stabilisation
Sleep expert Anna West (Sleep2perform) highlights that many elite athletes suffer from poor sleep quality, particularly around competitions. Research shows that up to 50% of elite athletes report suboptimal sleep, which is linked to reduced performance, increased injury risk and mental fatigue.
Tournament conditions put recovery under pressure
World Championships typically involve:
- Back-to-back games
- High physical intensity
- Emotional stress and adrenaline
- Travel and unfamiliar sleeping environments
Under these conditions, sleep becomes both fragile and critically important.
“In the final phase of a world championship, the best team is the one that recovered best.”
— Patrick Fischer
In tournaments, it’s not just about who trained hardest – but who recovers best.
Sleep as a strategic performance factor
For the Swiss National Ice Hockey Team, sleep has long been an integral part of performance strategy, alongside training, tactics and nutrition.
Sports Director Lars Weibel underlines its importance:
“Sleep is by far the most important factor – whether you are an athlete or not. Good sleep is the foundation on which health and performance are built. Even one bad night can have a major impact, especially when competition follows the next day.”
Why sleep environment matters
Sleep quality depends not only on duration, but on stability and depth. One key factor is body temperature regulation. Elite athletes generate more heat due to higher metabolic activity, often leading to night sweats and disturbed sleep.
“I tend to sleep hot. Before, I was always sweating – but Dagsmejan absorbs this well. I feel comfortable.”
— Patrick Fischer
Why the team wears Dagsmejan
Since 2021, the Swiss national team has integrated functional sleepwear from Dagsmejan into its recovery routine. The decision is based on physiological benefits that support uninterrupted sleep, particularly temperature and moisture regulation.
“It actually works. The fabric regulates temperature and wicks away moisture, helping the body maintain the same temperature throughout the night. This is important so that our organs can function properly.”
— Lars Weibel
Maintaining a stable body temperature supports deeper, more restorative sleep – a critical advantage during demanding tournaments.
Lessons beyond elite sport
The principles of recovery apply far beyond professional ice hockey. Prioritising sleep quality leads to faster recovery, better focus and more sustainable performance – whether in sport, work or daily life.
At the highest level, sleep is no longer optional. It is a competitive advantage – and often the difference between performing well and winning.
