Which physical factor may inhibit your ability to dive recreationally?

Inadequate sleep can significantly impact your ability to dive recreationally due to its effects on cognitive function, physical coordination, and overall alertness. When a diver has not had sufficient rest, they may experience impaired judgment, slower reaction times, and decreased situational awareness, which are all critical for safe diving practices. Diving requires full attention and decision-making skills, both of which can be compromised by fatigue. Furthermore, lack of sleep can lead to increased stress and anxiety, further affecting a diver's ability to perform safely underwater.

While eating a large meal can indeed lead to discomfort or lethargy during a dive, and recent exercise might cause temporary fatigue, the overarching effects of inadequate sleep are more pronounced and can fundamentally affect a diver's overall safety and performance. Feeling energetic is usually a positive indication of readiness to dive, so it does not inhibit diving ability. Hence, when considering the physical factors that may inhibit recreational diving, inadequate sleep stands out as a primary concern.