Acute sleep deprivation (ASD) significantly reduces overall athletic performance, through increased energy consumption and impaired re-synthesis after exercise.Partial sleep deprivation (PSDE) has the most significant negative impact on performance, while sleep deprivation (SD) has less impact.
This reduction in energy stores has an impact on athletes; ability to mobilise during exercise.
Cognitive Decline:
ASD affects cognitive functions such as working memory, response inhibition, and
executive function. These impairments have a negative impact on attention control, alertness, and prefrontal cortex functions, reducing overall performance.
Inflammatory Response:
ASD disrupts immune system repair mechanisms, resulting in elevated inflammatory factors (IL-6, CRP, TNF-α) and reduced exercise capacity.
Performance Impact of ASD Types:
Partial sleep deprivation (PSDE): The most significant negative impact (-1.17) Sleep
deprivation (SD): less impact (-0.23).
PSDE affects the following performance indicators:
High-intensity intermittent exercise: -2.01 Speed: -1.81 Skill Control: -1.16 Explosive Power: -0.95
AM/PM Performance after ASD:
Morning performance (effect size: -0.30) is superior to afternoon performance (effect
size: -1.11) after ASD.
Emotional Arousal:
Athletes with PSDE have lower arousal and depression, whereas those with SD have higher arousal and anxiety. Emotional state influences performance outcomes.
Practical Takeaways:
Athletic performance varies by ASD type. To reduce the negative effects, consider
optimising training schedules. For sports that emphasise explosive power, speed,
and skill control, shortening the time between waking up and training may produce
better results.
Overall, According to Charest and Gardner (2020) Research shows athlete’s often
suffer from insufficient sleep due to time, physical, and developmental demands.
This disrupts their physical, mental, and medical health, leading to injury risk and
recovery. Sleep interventions can improve physical strength, speed, cognitive performance, and mental health. Sport organizations should implement sleep health promotion programs at individual, team, and system levels.
Reference:
1. Charest, J., & Grandner, M. A. (2020). Sleep and Athletic Performance:
Impacts on Physical Performance, Mental Performance, Injury Risk and
Recovery, and Mental Health. Sleep medicine clinics, 15(1), 41–57.
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jsmc.2019.11.005