We caught up with star netballer Kayla Cullen to see how she's getting on with her Sealy Posturepedic Exquisite bed. We found out about her busy training routine, her goals, ambitions and how sleep is an integral part of her success.
A typical training week for me consists of three gym sessions and two court sessions. Lately I've been having some knee issues, so I spend quite a bit of time on the Wattbike, doing extra rehab and sessions with my physio. I do at least one pool recovery session a week and try to squeeze in a massage every fortnight to help loosen up all my muscles.
I don't necessarily have a routine that's set in stone, but I do like to unwind before bed by lighting a candle and turning on my salt lamp. I find the salt lamp helps with my sleep, as its natural negative ion generators help improve the air quality. I aim for eight hours sleep a night, which I know I'll get if I’m in bed by 10.30pm.
I love my Sealy Posturepedic Exquisite bed. It's extremely comfortable and I've had the best sleeps. It's very satisfying hopping into a comfortable bed after a hard day of training. I definitely couldn't go back to another bed now!
For me, sleep is a crucial part of recovery. Playing a sport that is so physically demanding can really take it out of you, so recovery is mandatory. Sleep is at the top of the list for me, as it's beneficial in so many ways. For example, sleep deprivation is known to significantly reduce reaction times, so as a netballer I can't afford to be sleep deprived. And to be honest, I'm pretty grumpy when I don't get enough sleep - but aren't we all?!
My mornings are usually condensed as I live quite far away from my training venues. I need to leave at least an hour in advance to get there on time. I wake up to my alarm and usually have my training gear organised to save time. I then make a quick smoothie and I'm off.
I'm reading a book called L'art de la Simplicite by Dominique Loreau, which is all about decluttering and being happy with less. It's a really good book for someone who might have a shopping addiction! I'm also currently listening to a New Zealand artist called Teeks, a lot of Dua Lipa and Madison Beer as well.
I think my favourite quote at the moment is: "In the end, everything will be okay. If it's not okay, then it's not the end."
My key goal in terms of my netball is to be injury free. Becoming injury free is a work-in-progress and takes time, but I'm really focusing on my recovery and will continue to do so until I'm back to 100%. Off the court, I would like to spend more time with friends and family. They're such an important part of my life and I really enjoy quality time with them.
Find out more about the Sealy Posturepedic Exquisite bed Kayla is sleeping on here.
Read about Mandy Duncan and the importance of sleep for busy mums.
Read about NZ Netball Player, Grace Kara, and her Sealy experience.
Read about World Champion Track Cyclist, Sam Webster and his Sealy experience.
Read about Larissa Carlson and how to create a bedtime routine.
