Chasing Speed — and Sleep

How Skeleton Athlete Livio Summermatter Balances Adrenaline and Recovery

When Livio Summermatter hurtles headfirst down an icy track at speeds of up to 140 km/h, every millisecond counts. The Skeleton athlete from Upper Valais, Switzerland lives for speed, precision, and the pursuit of perfection — but behind every explosive start and flawless run lies another, quieter discipline: rest.

As Livio works toward his biggest dream — qualifying for the Olympic Winter Games 2026— he knows that recovery, and especially sleep, are just as vital as hours in the gym or on the ice. We sat down with him to talk about courage, regeneration, and why the road to peak performance begins in bed.

From Athletics to the Ice Track

“I’ve always been fascinated by speed and precision,” says Livio. “Skeleton brings both together — it’s about technique, courage, and absolute body control.”

Growing up in a very active family, Livio discovered Skeleton through athletics and was immediately hooked. “You’re lying face down, racing down the bobsleigh track at 140 km/h. In the curves, you’re pressed against the sled with a force of about four times gravity — it’s pure adrenaline.”

The Road to the Olympics

Livio trains year-round to make his Olympic dream a reality. His schedule is relentless: one week in Switzerland, the next in Austria, Latvia, or Germany — always chasing ice, data, and marginal gains.

“I spend my life between training, analyzing runs, working on the sled, and traveling,” he says. “But I’ve learned that mental preparation is just as crucial as physical strength. This season, I’m investing much more time in visualization and kinesiology to strengthen focus and resilience.”

When every hundredth of a second can decide between victory and defeat, Livio knows that performance isn’t built on training alone — it’s built on recovery.

“Sleep plays a decisive role. I plan my days so I get enough rest and continuously try to optimize my sleep environment. I even have a hyperbaric oxygen chamber at home to support regeneration. For me, the balance between training, nutrition, and sleep is the key to performance.”

Why Sleep Is the Real Game Changer

For Livio, good sleep is not a luxury — it’s a performance tool.

“Without good sleep, I can’t deliver. The body needs rest to process the training impulses and adapt. It’s in recovery that progress really happens.”

When he sleeps well, the difference is tangible: “I’m sharper, more focused, and more explosive at the start. On days with too little sleep, I’m a completely different person — I can’t bring out the fire that’s inside me.”

He’s quick to add that this applies to everyone, not just elite athletes. “Whether in sport or in everyday life, you can only give your best when you’re rested. Sleep isn’t a passive phase — it’s active recovery training.”

Livio’s three golden sleep rules:

1. Stick to a rhythm – Go to bed at the same time every night.

2. Keep it cool – A slightly cool environment helps him sleep deeper.

3. Digital detox – No screens at least 30 minutes before bed. “It makes a huge difference.”

Discovering Dagsmejan

Always searching for small improvements, Livio discovered Dagsmejan while looking for ways to optimize his recovery.

“I try to get the maximum out of every aspect of my life. The quality of the materials I use daily is essential. After a short search, I came across Dagsmejan — and immediately fell in love with the quality.”

What caught his attention was the combination of Swiss innovation, comfort, and science-backed design. “I’d heard from other athletes that Dagsmejan specializes in sleepwear developed with science. I was curious — especially about the cooling effect.”

And the verdict?

“Honestly, I was surprised by how big the difference was. After intense training days, I often sweat at night — with Dagsmejan, the temperature stays constant, I wake up less often, and sleep more deeply. The fabric feels incredibly light and natural, almost like wearing nothing.”

Whether summer or winter, he says, the comfort remains consistent. “I move a lot during sleep, but the fabric adapts perfectly without sticking or sliding. My sleep stays deep, and I wake up clear-headed and ready.”

The Power of Details

For Livio, excellence comes from consistency — and from paying attention to the details that others might overlook.

“I believe small details make the biggest difference — in sport and in life. If you work on yourself consistently, even in areas like sleep, you can achieve great things.”

And as Livio Summermatter speeds down another icy track toward his Olympic dream, one thing is clear: his greatest performance starts long before the starting line — it begins with a good night’s sleep.

Inspired by Livio’s story?
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