If you close your eyes, you can still hear the chants cascading through the stadium, the tension and excitement rising from the crowd like a crescendo. This was the symphony we were all waiting for, and Bianca Andreescu was the conductor.
Andreescu had been leading with unparalleled ferocity against Serena Williams, with each stroke of the racquet her determination set in. But Williams, no stranger to pressure, fought her way back to 5-5. It was no secret, the crowd was on Williams’ side, loud and abasing. But one glance at Andreescu’s face said it all: she was locked in. Her body was strong; her mind was ready. One deep breath, Andreescu settled herself, served, and broke to win the match—not only winning the 2019 U.S Open but defeating one of the game’s greatest.
That win put the young tennis powerhouse on the map, gave Canada its first Grand Slam singles title, and laid the foundation for many victories to come for Andreescu.
Like other great athletes before her, she credits much of her success to sleep. It’s a key part of her health and wellness regime, and for Andreescu, it translates to success on the court. Whether it’s giving her body the rest to recover or keeping her mind sharp and focused in the moment, sleep allows her to stay at the top of her game.
It’s fitting then that Andreescu has partnered with Sleep Country Canada to help Canadians prioritize their sleep to foster better health and wellbeing. Both understand the vital role sleep plays as a pillar of physical, mental, and emotional well-being and its foundation for optimal performance, both on and off the court.
Inspired by Andreescu’s personal wellness journey, the partnership features television, video, social media, and content initiatives throughout 2021 all centered around one common belief: There’s no dream without sleep. That sentiment couldn’t ring truer among the world’s elite. NBA Champion, LeBron James, and tennis champ Roger Federer are known for getting a whopping 12 hours a day, with Usain Bolt and Steve Nash averaging about 10 hours at their career peaks according to ESPN.
While those high double-digits may not be possible for us mere mortals (of course, professional athletes are even better at sleeping), a regular sleep routine provides the fuel we need to power through.
A study by Sleep Country and SleepScore Labs shows many Canadians are sleep deprived, averaging six hours of sleep per night (far below the recommended seven to nine hours a night). This points to the dire need for Canadians to start actively prioritizing their sleep. Andreescu and Sleep Country are driven to reinforce sleep’s role as a catalyst for a healthier life as it helps improve our performance, productivity, concentration, and energy.
“We need sleep to perform at our best and get the rest our bodies and minds need to show up as the best versions of ourselves in all areas of our lives,” Andreescu explains.
Beyond being an athlete, Andreescu has become a voice for her community and a role model to Canadians. With such high expectations, being able to be mentally and physically prepared is key.
“If I don’t get a good night’s sleep then I can’t function at my best the next day. Sleep is something I’m incredibly disciplined about – regardless of whether I’m competing or in my downtime. As an athlete, I need to be on my A-game all the time so I can continue to perform at an optimal level.”
Bianca Andreescu's Bedtime Routine:
In today’s busy world, sleep is the one thing we tend to sacrifice first, rest can seem like a weakness. But, the myth that you have to outwork everyone whether on or off the court, day and night, isn’t necessarily true.
“We need to stop putting sleep on the bottom of our to-do list and instead recognize the tremendous benefits and strength that comes when we actively manage our sleep. There are so many people that say, ‘To work harder, you need to work longer’ and that’s just not true. We need our sleep,” says Andreescu. A quick look at her stats, championships, and ever-growing legacy is all the proof we need.
Sleep Country is on a mission to awaken Canadians to the power of sleep. For more than two decades, the company has served as the destination for Canadians’ sleep needs. Their trusted and knowledgeable Sleep Experts help find personalized sleep solutions tailored to each individual’s needs, ensuring every Canadian achieves their best night’s sleep.
“Sleep Country Canada and I have the same belief, that sleep is an important part of our wellbeing and together we want to inspire Canadians to prioritize sleep to enable healthier and happier lives,” says Andreescu.
“Greatness and success are only achieved when we put in the work, and sleep needs to be a part of that equation.”
Sleep Country is Canada’s leading omnichannel specialty sleep retailer, with a national brick-and-mortar footprint and robust eCommerce platforms dedicated to supporting the health and wellbeing of Canadians by matching each customer to their best night’s sleep. Sleep Country operates under three retail banners (the “Banners”): “Sleep Country Canada”, with omnichannel operations in Canada excluding Québec; “Dormez-vous?” with omnichannel operations in Québec and “Endy”, Canada’s leading online mattress-in-a-box retailer. As of May 27, 2021, Sleep Country has 284 stores and 17 distribution centres across Canada. All of the Company’s stores are corporate-owned, enabling it to develop and maintain a strong culture of customer service, resulting in a consistent and superior in-store and home delivery experience. Sleep Country also works closely with Canadian charities to donate new and gently used mattresses to families and children in need. To find out more about the company, please visit https://www.sleepcountry.ca/
