Introducing Hayden Mayeur: Black Sheep Mattress Athlete and Team Canada Speed Skater

Meet Hayden Mayeur, a proud Team Canada speed skater known for his lightning-fast speeds on the ice. Hayden’s work doesn’t stop when he steps off the ice. His dedication to supporting and promoting fellow Canadian athletes led him to create his coffee business, Hayloft Coffee, which provides fellow athletes with flexible employment during the off-season. Amid his busy schedule, Hayden also founded Skate 4 Kids, a charity event that raised over $15,000 to support the expansion of the pediatric mental health unit at the Alberta Children’s Hospital. With such a busy lifestyle, Hayden understands that sleep quality is crucial for his life and athletic performance. As a Black Sheep Mattress partner, Hayden has curated a new sleep routine to enhance his health and wellness for successful training days ahead.

Sleep as an Integral Part of Training

"As a Team Canada athlete, my sleep is just as important as my training," Hayden emphasizes. He relies on a good night's sleep every day to be able to give it his all in training or competition. Over the years, Hayden has developed habits that maximize every moment of rest and recovery. Research published in the Current Sleep Medicine Reports highlights that athletes who get adequate sleep—approximately 8-10 hours per night—experience improved reaction times, accuracy, and overall performance. Additionally, sleep is critical for injury prevention and recovery, as well as mental health maintenance, which are essential for peak athletic performance (Sports Medicine, 2015)

Tips for Winding Down at Night

Creating a pre-sleep routine with relaxing activities like reading, taking a warm bath, or practicing meditation helps signal to the body that it’s time to wind down and prepare for sleep, enhancing both sleep quality and recovery. Maintaining a consistent sleep schedule by going to bed and waking up at the same time every day helps regulate the body's internal clock, improving sleep quality and overall health (Strength and Conditioning Journal, 2013). Hayden notes that before bed, he likes to set down his phone, step away from screens, and enjoy a cup of tea outside in the summer to wind down after a long day of training and prepare his mind for a night of recovery.

Limiting exposure to electronic devices at least an hour before bed reduces blue light exposure, which can interfere with melatonin production, a hormone that regulates sleep. Ensuring a comfortable sleep environment, such as keeping the bedroom cool, dark, and quiet, and investing in a comfortable mattress and pillows, can significantly improve sleep quality and duration (Int J Sports Med, 2019).

Visiting the Black Sheep Showroom

Hayden’s experience with Black Sheep Mattress began with a visit to our showroom, which he describes as a unique and pressure-free experience. "Getting to visit the showroom was a mattress shopping experience like no other," Hayden recalls. Unlike big box stores, where he often felt uncomfortable due to high-pressure sales tactics, our showroom team provided a welcoming and personalized environment. Hayden appreciated the modern, minimalistic showroom that allowed him to explore various mattress models and firmness levels at his own pace. He felt it was an incredibly personalized service and knew that when he left the shop, he had made the right choice in mattress for the nights to come.

Supporting Quality Canadian Craftsmanship

For Hayden, representing Canada on the international stage goes hand in hand with supporting local Canadian businesses that prioritize quality. "Representing this country on the world stage has always been an honour and a privilege. I wouldn't be where I am today without the support from such an amazing community," he notes. Black Sheep Mattress aligns with Hayden’s values of supporting high-quality, locally crafted products. He was impressed by the craftsmanship and dedication of the team during his visit to our workshop. Hayden commented on meeting the entire team of amazing folks who craft the mattresses from their raw materials up, noting their passion and dedication.

A Mattress Fit for a Champion

We use only the highest quality materials, from North American-sourced wool and cotton to natural Talalay latex from the Netherlands. Even the offcuts are repurposed into products like pillows, showcasing our commitment to sustainability and quality. We’re excited to have Hayden representing us in the community, especially with his commitment to curating high-quality sleep, knowing it will help him achieve his goals both on and off the ice. For athletes like Hayden who push their bodies to the limits, getting a full night’s rest is non-negotiable. Thanks to his new Black Sheep Mattress, Hayden can sleep easy knowing he has the sleep resources needed to perform at his best in his sport, his business, and his community.

Keep up to speed with Hayden on his social channels @hayden_mayeur.

For further reading on the impact of sleep on athletic performance, check out the Current Sleep Medicine Reports article on sleep and performance and the Sports Medicine review on sleep loss and exercise performance.