Sleep Well with Mitch Brown
Between a history-making AFL career, advocating for inclusion in sport, and raising two boys, Mitch Brown is no stranger to the spotlight. At home, though, he’s a self-proclaimed hot sleeper who’s learned that rest is essential — not just for recovery, but for keeping up with real life. We sat down with Mitch to talk rituals, routines, and how he finally overcame the heat.
How would you describe your nighttime routine?
"I’d love to say it’s a nice wind-down, but it does involve a lot of doom-scrolling. That said, I’ve learned not to force sleep. Back when I was playing AFL or coming off a heavy training session, my mind would be racing. I’ve realised it’s better to jump into bed, put on a show, or pick up a book and wait until I’m actually ready rather than fighting for it.”
How do you set up your space for a good night’s sleep?
“Routine is really important. Sheets, lighting, even the scent — they all signal to your brain that it’s time to sleep. Switching to high-quality bedding has made a huge difference, especially for me as a hot sleeper.”
You’ve mentioned you’re a hot sleeper — how does that affect your bedroom setup?
"I definitely run hot, so it’s important that I stay cool when I sleep. Especially now that my two little boys tend to sneak into bed during the night — they’re hot sleepers as well. In summer, I swap my quilt for a lighter layer, and Sheet Society’s Cool Mode™ Mattress and pillow protectors have been a game-changer. It’s like the cold side of the pillow, but for the whole bed.”
How has your perspective on sleep changed since your early days as an athlete?
"It’s been a huge shift. When I was younger and first left home at 17, I just didn't prioritise sleep. I’d focus on improving my strength, speed, or the way I read the game. But the best thing I actually did for my performance was improve my sleep quality. When you stop treating sleep as an afterthought and focus on the things that support your rest, everything else just gets better."
