Rex Ryan Brings in Sleep Specialists to Jets Practices in Hopes of Optimizing Team’s Performance

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Sep 21, 2012

Rex Ryan Brings in Sleep Specialists to Jets Practices in Hopes of Optimizing Team's PerformanceFLORHAM PARK, N.J. — Sweet dreams, Jets.

Hoping that catching a few extra zzzs translates into better
performance on the field, the New York Jets recently brought in sleep
specialists to help the players get more rest. Coach Rex Ryan also
pushed back the team's schedule by about 90 minutes this week, giving
the players a chance to be more energized and attentive during meetings
and practice.

"We've had sleep people come in, talking about how important sleep
is, how important it is to get eight hours of it," Ryan said Friday. "We
bring in these specialists for a reason. I just think it's wise to do
that, listening to people with a lot more knowledge than myself about
it.

"If we can gain a little advantage, then we're going to look for it."

The players received handouts earlier in the week about how sleep
helps performance. Meetings and practices were shortened a bit, and the
change in the schedule was welcomed by the players.

The New York Post first reported the schedule change Friday.

"It was awesome," defensive lineman Mike DeVito said. "You still get
the same amount of work in, but you get to sleep in a little bit more
and get off your feet a little more. It was a smart thing, a really
smart thing to do. Practice was higher tempo this week and guys are
ready to go."

The Jets (1-1) are playing the Dolphins (1-1) at Miami with the
temperature expected to be near 90 degrees Sunday. Along with getting
plenty of rest, the team has stressed the importance of staying
well-hydrated — a process that started early in the week with drinking
plenty of fluids.

"That's something we'll be ready for," Ryan said. "We've played down
there before and we know what to expect. I think the last time we played
there, it was like 90 degrees out in December or January, whenever it
was. We know it's going to be hot, but we think we've done a good job
hydrating ourselves and getting rest."

Ryan said the Jets will follow the revised practice and meetings schedule in future weeks.

"They're trying to help us in any way they can so we can perform at a
high level," right tackle Austin Howard said. "It's absolutely a smart
move."

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