Shohei Ohtani, the two-way phenom for the Los Angeles Angels, has had quite the tumultuous offseason. After a gambling scandal rocked his world and threw his sleep schedule into disarray, Ohtani is finally back on track and the results are showing on the field.
Ohtani, who made history as the first player in nearly 100 years to regularly pitch and hit in the major leagues, found himself embroiled in controversy when it was revealed that he had been betting on baseball games. The scandal not only tarnished his reputation, but also wreaked havoc on his routine and disrupted his sleep schedule.
“It was a tough time for me,” Ohtani admitted in a recent interview. “I was dealing with a lot of stress and anxiety, and I wasn’t sleeping well at all. It was affecting my performance on the field and I knew I needed to make a change.”
That change came in the form of seeking help from a sleep specialist and implementing a strict sleep routine. Ohtani began going to bed at the same time every night, avoiding screens and caffeine before bed, and practicing relaxation techniques to calm his mind.
The results have been nothing short of spectacular. Ohtani has been on a tear this season, both on the mound and at the plate. His fastball velocity is back up to pre-scandal levels, and his batting average has skyrocketed. He recently hit a 450-foot home run, showcasing the power and precision that made him a sensation in both Japan and the United States.
“I feel like a new man,” Ohtani said with a smile. “Getting my sleep back on track has made all the difference. I’m more focused, energized, and confident out there. I can’t thank my sleep specialist enough for helping me through this rough patch.”
Angels manager Joe Maddon has also noticed a difference in Ohtani’s demeanor and performance.
“He’s like a different player out there,” Maddon said. “His energy and enthusiasm are contagious, and his talent is undeniable. I’m just glad to see him back to his old self and dominating the game like we all know he can.”
As Ohtani continues to shine on the diamond, it’s clear that a good night’s sleep is the key to success for this remarkable athlete. And with his sleep schedule finally back on track, the sky is truly the limit for Shohei Ohtani.
