The secret of football’s pillow talk

No footballer ever likes to be caught napping but, away from the pitch, they’re being advised to do just that, and more, as the science of sleep plays an increasing role at the highest levels in the game.

Real Madrid are leading the way, having invited ‘elite sport sleep coach’ Nick Littlehales to give a seminar at the club two years ago. He has also lent his expertise in the area of linking snores and scores to England, Manchester City, Arsenal, Chelsea and Southampton.

At Madrid, according to the BBC, as well as assessing the five-star bedrooms at the club’s training complex and offering advice on temperature, lighting, air quality, duvets and mattresses, Littlehales conducted a one-on-one consultation – at the player’s request - with Gareth Bale, whose natural body clock apparently means he falls asleep and wakes up later than most.