'My mind is racing': Josh Allen opens up about long-ignored health issue that impacted his performance
Josh Allen, the Buffalo Bills' quarterback, has openly discussed his battle with insomnia (Image via AP)
For Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen, the toughest opponent he's ever faced didn't line up across from him on a Sunday—it crept in when the lights went out. In a candid and vulnerable moment, the 2024 NFL MVP admitted that his sleep had been a long-term issue he could no longer ignore.
While his arm strength and playmaking made headlines, it turns out his mind was racing far beyond the field.
Josh Allen opens up about insomnia battle and how conquering it could fuel a Super Bowl run
Josh Allen revealed to PEOPLE that his insomnia had become a lingering obstacle: 'I still found myself, 11:30, midnight still up. And it's not that I'm not trying to sleep, I'm laying down, my mind is racing a million miles a minute.' Despite dialing in his diet and nutrition over the past few seasons, sleep was the missing piece in his performance puzzle.
That changed during a long transatlantic flight. After years of trial and error with sleep aids, Allen tried Natrol's Sleep & Restore. The result? 'I slept 10 hours on [that] flight. It was nine-and-a-half, 10 hours straight. So I woke up and I couldn't believe there was only three hours left in the flight.'
Natrol Sleep & Restore with Josh Allen, 30s
A rejuvenated Allen says he feels better than ever at OTAs
The improved sleep hasn't just made Allen feel more rested—it's changed how he shows up at work. He walked into Bills OTAs declaring it's 'the best I've felt physically after a season.'
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With fewer injuries, better recovery, and renewed mental clarity, Allen is diving deeper into the cerebral side of the game: pre-snap reads, footwork, and protection calls.
The MVP also credited his offensive line, calling himself 'the least sacked quarterback in the league,' a detail that has helped him avoid the rehab-heavy offseasons of years past.
Between filming commercials and building a rapport with rookie receiver Keon Coleman, Allen's leadership is extending off the field. His personal life is also glowing after marrying actress Hailee Steinfeld. 'Marrying my best friend… She makes everything easier,' he shared.
Also Read:
Josh Allen's fairytale wedding may spell disaster for the Bills—has love softened the franchise QB?
With mental peace, physical health, and emotional balance finally aligned, Josh Allen seems ready not just for another MVP season—but for the Super Bowl run that's eluded him.
Game On Season 1 kicks off with Sakshi Malik's inspiring story. Watch Episode 1 here
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