Cardboard beds used by Olympic athletes could have a "catastrophic" effect, according to sleep doctors.

In the Paris 2024 Olympics, athletes are using cardboard bed frames for the second consecutive summer games.

The cardboard beds, first used at Tokyo 2020, have resurfaced as an eco-friendly option in the Olympic Village, according to reports.

The athletes can customize their bedding by extending the beds and selecting the mattress firmness, as demonstrated in a video on the Olympics YouTube channel.

Olympic organizers have stated that the 100% French-made sustainable beds will be fully recycled after the games.

Dr. Chris Winter, a sleep adviser for Mattress Firm and a sleep consultant for major-league sports teams in the U.S., commented on sleeping arrangements in an interview with Planet Chronicle Digital.

"Although I was not involved in the French Olympic planning, I believe the cardboard bed aligns with the overall theme of the games, which is 'more responsible, more inclusive, and more equal,'" he stated.

"For an Olympic swimmer, weightlifter or gymnast, to awaken with a tweak or catch in their back could be disastrous."

The Olympic Games have been linked to significant amounts of waste, according to Winter.

"The cardboard beds are not only more economical, but also much kinder to the environment," he stated.

""Organizers do not have to worry about what to do with thousands of real twin beds after the games end, which results in significant cost savings," Winter stated."

According to the expert, having the same beds can provide a "performance advantage" in terms of sleep for everyone.

He added that the fact that they could more easily break if jumped on or if lots of athletes were on the bed was probably a plus, as an indirect way to control behavior.

"If an athlete throws theirs out the window, damage and risk are minimized."

Potential health risks

Winter pointed out that although there are advantages to using cardboard structures, these constructions may have some negative effects on athletes' health.

An injury to an Olympic swimmer, weightlifter, or gymnast's back could be catastrophic, as stated.

Winter expressed his opinion that a cardboard bed could be the reason for Lilly King missing a breaststroke medal by 1/100th of a second.

An expert pointed out that an athlete's psychological state can be impacted by a subpar night's sleep.

Dr. Chafen Watkins Hart, a sleep specialist at National Jewish Health in Denver, Colorado, emphasized the significance of athletes getting enough sleep.

Adapting to a new environment, including a new bed, can be challenging, especially when dealing with jet lag and the pressure of athletic competition, as she shared with Planet Chronicle Digital.

According to Hart, the mattresses, despite being enhanced from those used in Tokyo, are still "very firm."

"The reason these materials are used by thousands of athletes in the village is because they are washable and reusable, as it generally appears," she stated.

While some athletes may prefer a firm mattress to avoid muscle soreness, others may prefer a softer one.

Apart from the bed and mattress, Hart pointed out that temperature and roommate concerns can also negatively impact athletes' sleep.

"Many athletes are using portable air conditioning units because the rooms do not have air conditioning," she stated.

"Sleeping in a hot, humid environment can increase the number of arousals and the severity of insomnia."

Some athletes may be assigned a roommate with contrasting sleep patterns.

An early bird will not enjoy sharing a room with a night owl, according to Hart.

"Someone who used to sleep in a quiet, dark room may struggle to adapt to a roommate who enjoys playing music and keeping a light on."

To ensure a restful night's sleep, Winter recommended that athletes bring their own pillows and strive to keep the room cool.

He proposed adding items that evoke memories of home, such as a partner's pillowcase, favorite nighttime tea, stuffed animals, sleep masks, or posters.

"Having a Parisian apartment that feels like home can be a significant advantage," he stated.

Adding that familiar scents, calming music, and chats with loved ones can help reduce anxiety about sleeping in a strange or uncomfortable place, Hart agreed.

Planet Chronicle Digital reached out to the International Olympic Committee for comment.