What should an athlete prioritize the night before traveling to minimize travel fatigue?

Prioritizing sleep the night before traveling is crucial for minimizing travel fatigue. Adequate rest enhances physical performance, cognitive function, and overall well-being, which is especially important for athletes who need to be in peak condition. Quality sleep helps the body recover and prepares the athlete for the demands of travel, such as time zone changes and potential disruptions to routine.

Sleeping well not only provides energy for the journey but also helps mitigate the effects of travel stress and fatigue, ensuring that the athlete arrives at their destination alert and ready to perform. In contrast, staying up late to pack or consuming heavy meals might disrupt sleep quality, while avoiding rest until reaching the destination can lead to increased exhaustion and decreased performance levels. All of these alternatives could hinder an athlete's preparation and readiness for their activities.