Up to half of elite athletes may be getting too little sleep or have poor quality sleep, according to research reported by Reuters. In addition, Paralympians report the lowest sleep quality.
Sleep disturbances can lead to fatigue and sleep-related performance anxieties that in turn affect athletic performance itself, the authors write in the journal Sports Medicine.
Researchers reviewed the findings of 37 studies published between 2001 and 2016 that included Olympic, Paralympic, national and professional athletes.
Based on these studies, they conclude that about one third to one half of all elite athletes are poor sleepers, with Paralympic athletes reporting the most insomnia symptoms.
