The role of sleep in maximising performance in elite athletes

This chapter explores the characteristics of sleep and its function before providing insight into what is known about sleep in athletes. Limited research exists examining the effects of sleep loss on sporting performance. Sleep hygiene involves the practise of habits typifying appropriate behavioural and environmental sleep, in an attempt to promote optimal sleep quantity and quality. Athletes perceive sleep as an important recovery modality; however, elite athletes have often demonstrated compromised sleep. Athletes are required to deal with an array of psychosocial stressors while competing in elite sport. Regular air travel is common in elite sport, with athletes often required to travel domestically, and on occasion on long-haul international flights across multiple time zones. The amount and quality of sleep obtained by an athlete may also influence their predisposition to injury. Elite athletes appear vulnerable to losses in sleep, particularly following competition played at night, or when early morning training sessions are scheduled