There has been a lot of ink devoted to the important role training and nutrition play in maximizing athletic potential. Yet the value of a good night’s sleep has largely been ignored. But with the recent addition of apps that track sleep patterns and promote the health benefits of a sound sleep, more and more coaches and athletes are paying attention to getting the requisite 40 winks.

For athletes today, experts emphasize training harder and more often. While this may be true, the rate and quality of recovery play just as important a role in helping enhance athletic performance.

Here are some recovery strategies to get you started