Buttler - Proper rest sharpens my judgement

'You play your best cricket when you don’t have too many things going on in your head'
The Edge LogoThe Edge LogoThe Edge Logo
The Edge LogoThe Edge LogoThe Edge Logo
The Edge LogoThe Edge LogoThe Edge Logo
The Edge LogoThe Edge LogoThe Edge Logo
Down Arrow

You need good sleep for a sharp mind. Just ask Jos Buttler.

The England star has captained his country for a large chunk of his career, and experience has taught him that sleep isn't just about feeling rested - it sharpens judgement, focus, and reaction times too.

For Jos, rest has been as important to his cricket as hours in the nets.

“I think you play your best cricket when you don’t have too many things going on in your head," he said.

"You’re not worrying about too much. It’s just 'see ball, hit ball', and trust yourself."

Professor Matthew Walker, author of Why We Sleep, agrees.

"Sleep is the greatest legal performance-enhancing 'drug' available," he said. "Reaction times, decision-making, and emotional control all collapse with insufficient sleep."

HOW YOU CAN REST BETTER

1. Aim for seven to nine hours:

Athletes often need more than the average adult.

2. Prioritise routine:

Consistent sleep and wake times matter.

3. Create a sleep environment:

Dark, cool, quiet spaces improve sleep quality.

THE BOTTOM LINE

Jos' clarity comes not from overthinking, but from resting well.

For all of us, sleep is a tool that unlocks focus, resilience, and sharper decisions.

Download the app
Get it on Google PlayDownload on the App Store

you may also Like

View all posts
View all posts

Want to be a partner of The Edge?

Get in touch
App Splash ScreenApp Explore Screen

Download
the app

The Athlete's Voice by 4CAST gives a voice to people from all sports, from the 4CAST collective's founder members to its ever-increasing roster of athletes, executives and professionals.

Packed with exclusive content about careers, interests and business opportunities, The Athlete's Voice demonstrates the richness of life beyond sport through the lens of its athletes, providing insight, challenging stereotypes and inspiring others.

Download it now to get everything in one place, from cricket and entrepreneurship to gaming and mental wellness, with exclusive and aggregated content, competitions, live match centres and more.

Get it on Google PlayDownload on the App Store
Our partners