The effects of Sleep Quality and Quanity on Athletic Performance and Mental Health

Date of Award

Spring 5-20-2022

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

Department

Athletic Training

Committee Chair

Debbie Bradney

Committee Member

Jeffrey Herrick

Abstract

Abstract

Clinical Scenario: Recent research studies have shown that sleep quality and quantity has an effect on performance and mental health problems in college aged athletes. The relevant evidence has shown that sleeping less than 7 hours per night can increase the likelihood of the athlete experiencing a decrease in performance, an increase in the incidence of mental health problems, and an increase in injury rates. Clinical Question: What effect does sleep quality and quantity have on athletic performance? What effect does sleep quality and quantity have on mental health for the college aged athlete? Summary of Key Findings: A thorough review of literature presented 9 studies relevant to the clinical questions. All of the studies showed poor sleep quality and low sleep quantity had a negative effect on performance. Three studies showed that poor sleep quality and low sleep quantity has negative effects on mental health. Clinical Bottom Line: There is sufficient evidence to suggest that sleep quality and quantity does affect athletic performance and mental health in college aged athletes. Strength of Recommendation: There is Grade B evidence to demonstrate that poor sleep quality and quantity may create a decrease in performance capabilities for college aged athletes.

Keywords: performance, sleep deprivation, athlete stress, depression, mental health conditions

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