Sleep and daytime sleepiness in elite athletes and sedentary individuals

• Published in: Science & sports 2022-02, Vol.37 (1), p.31-36
• Main Authors: Jemal, M., Trabelsi, K., Boukhris, O., Ammar, A., Clark, C.C.T., Chtourou, H.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Athletes; Comportement veille-sommeil; Drowsiness; Entraînement; Sedentary behavior; Sleep; Sleep deprivation; Sleep disorders; Sleep-wake behaviour; Somnolence; Sport; Training
• ISSN: 0765-1597
• DOI: 10.1016/j.scispo.2021.02.009

The objectives of this study were to evaluate the duration and the quality of sleep, as well as daytime sleepiness, among different levels of Arab athletes (i.e., amateur, elite) and to compare sleep quality and duration and daytime sleepiness in athletes and sedentary individuals. A total of 409 participants, characterized as elite athletes (n=78), amateur athletes (n=231), and sedentary individuals (n=100), participated in this study. Participants were asked to complete the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) questionnaire, for the evaluation of sleep quality, and the Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS), for the assessment of daytime sleepiness. The total PSQI score was significantly higher in sedentary (total PSQI score=5.74±2.5) vs. amateur (total PSQI score=5±2.3) (P0.05) between levels of daytime sleepiness reported in amateur athletes (ESS score=9.6±4.3), elite athletes (ESS score=10±3.8), and sedentary individuals (ESS score=10.4±2.4). Athletes experienced a better sleep quality compared to sedentary individuals. However, some athletes can suffer from poor sleep quality, suggesting an urgent need for the implementation of sleep hygiene education. Levels of daytime sleepiness, comparable in athletes and sedentary individuals, indicate higher normal daytime sleepiness. Thus, daily naps could be useful to prevent excessive daytime sleepiness, but future studies on this topic, efficacy, and practicality are needed. Les objectifs de cette étude étaient d’évaluer la durée et la qualité du sommeil, ainsi que la somnolence diurne, chez différents niveaux d’athlètes arabes (amateur vs. élite) et de comparer la qualité et la durée du sommeil et la somnolence diurne chez des athlètes et des sujets sédentaires. Un total de 409 participants, divisés en un groupe d’athlètes élites (n=78), un groupe d’athlètes amateurs (n=231) et des participants sédentaires (n=100), ont participé à cette étude. Les participants ont été invités à remplir le questionnaire Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), pour l’évaluation de la qualité du sommeil, et l’Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS), pour l’évaluation de la somnolence diurne. Le score PSQI total était significativement plus élevé chez les sujets sédentaires (score PSQI total=5,74±2,5) par rapport aux athlètes amateurs (scor