Sleep Hygiene for Optimizing Recovery in Athletes: Review and Recommendations

Kenneth C. Vitale; Roberts Owens; Susan R. Hopkins; Atul Malhotra

doi:10.1055/a-0905-3103

International Journal of Sports Medicine, Table of Contents

Int J Sports Med 2019; 40(08): 535-543
DOI: 10.1055/a-0905-3103

Clinical Sciences

Sleep Hygiene for Optimizing Recovery in Athletes: Review and Recommendations

Authors

Kenneth C. Vitale

¹Orthopaedic Surgery, University of California San Diego School of Medicine, La Jolla, United States
Roberts Owens

²Department of Medicine, Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, University of California San Diego School of Medicine, La Jolla, United States
Susan R. Hopkins

³Medicine and Radiology, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, United States
Atul Malhotra

⁴Medicine, Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, United States

Abstract

For elite athletes who exercise at a high level, sleep is critical to overall health. Many studies have documented the effects of sleep deprivation in the general population, but few studies exist regarding specific effects in the athlete. This review summarizes the effects of sleep deprivation and sleep extension on athletic performance, including reaction time, accuracy, strength and endurance, and cognitive function. There are clear negative effects of sleep deprivation on performance, including reaction time, accuracy, vigor, submaximal strength, and endurance. Cognitive functions such as judgment and decision-making also suffer. Sleep extension can positively affect reaction times, mood, sprint times, tennis serve accuracy, swim turns, kick stroke efficiency, and increased free throw and 3-point accuracy. Banking sleep (sleep extension prior to night of intentional sleep deprivation before sporting event) is a new concept that may also improve performance. For sports medicine providers, the negative effects of sleep deprivation cannot be overstated to athletes. To battle sleep deprivation, athletes may seek supplements with potentially serious side effects; improving sleep quality however is simple and effective, benefiting not only athlete health but also athletic performance.

Key words

sleep deprivation - athletes - sleep hygiene - exercise - athletic performance - sleep extension

Full Text

References

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