High prevalence of poor sleep quality and sleep deficit: A study in children, adolescents, and adult soccer players.

Abstract

Objective: This observational study aimed to provide insight into the sleep behaviors, chronotypes, and sleep needs of athletes by examining children, adolescents, and adult soccer players from different competitive levels.

Methods: The study included 864 soccer players (n = 747 males) of various age groups [median age: 17 (interquartile range: 14-20)]. The participants completed an online questionnaire that included demographic questions, the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), the Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS), the Morningness-Eveningness Questionnaire (MEQ), and a question about their sleep needs.

Results: Adult players had a higher prevalence of poor sleep quality, excessive daytime sleepiness, and sleep deficit than children and teenagers (p < 0.001). Lower sleep duration was associated with poorer sleep quality and excessive daytime sleepiness (rs = -0.59 to -0.17, p < 0.01). Sleep needs were significantly higher than the habitual sleep duration in teenagers (42 min, p < 0.001) and adult players (41 min, p < 0.001). Players that had poor sleep quality (OR = 3.98, 95% CI: 2.78-5.77), excessive daytime sleepiness (OR = 3.72, 95% CI: 2.32-6.1), evening chronotype (OR = 2.54, 95% CI: 1.48-4.40), and later ending time of training (OR = 1.12, 95% CI: 1.07-1.19) could be at a higher risk of having sleep deficit.

Conclusion: Nearly half of the adult players had poor sleep quality. Additionally, one-third of the children, and almost half of the teenagers and adult players, had a sleep deficit. Players with poor sleep quality, an evening chronotype, excessive daytime sleepiness, and a later training time might be at a higher risk of experiencing a sleep deficit.