Editorial: Optimizing athletic recovery: the effects of recovery strategies and sleep on sports performance

In contemporary sport, recovery has emerged as a central component of the training and competitive process. It is no longer regarded simply as the time that follows exercise or competition, but rather as a complex and multidimensional process that supportsphysiological restoration, psychological readiness, adaptation to training, and the preservation of performance over time. As the physical and mental demands placed on athletes continue to increase, the capacity to recover effectively between sessions and competitions has become a matter of considerable importance for coaches, practitioners, and researchers alike. Growing interest in sleep, well-being, and recovery related interventions reflects a broader recognition that successful performance depends not only on the quality of training but also on the quality of restoration that follows it.