Published Paper Details:

ABSTRACT Background: Sleep is a crucial component of recovery and performance in athletes, yet its implications on physical fitness and athletic prowess remain incompletely understood. Given the increasing interest in optimizing athletic performance through non-pharmacological methods, understanding the role of sleep becomes particularly significant. Objective: This study aims to elucidate the effects of enhanced sleep quality and duration on various aspects of physical fitness and athletic performance across different sports disciplines. Methods: We conducted a six-month, controlled; mixed-methods study involving 200 collegiate and professional athletes from both individual and team sports. Participants were divided into an intervention group, which received a comprehensive sleep enhancement program, and a control group. Quantitative data were collected using wearable technology to monitor sleep patterns and via regular assessments of athletic performance, including metrics such as reaction times, speed, accuracy, and endurance. Qualitative data were gathered through structured interviews to capture athletes' subjective experiences and perceptions of sleep's impact on their performance. Results: Preliminary analyses indicate significant improvements in performance metrics in the intervention group, correlating with increases in sleep duration and enhancements in sleep quality. Athletes in the intervention group reported better overall well-being and reduced fatigue levels, suggesting a positive relationship between improved sleep and athletic performance. Conclusion: The findings support the hypothesis that optimal sleep is essential for peak athletic performance and physical fitness. Enhancements in sleep not only improve specific performance metrics but also contribute to the athletes' overall health and well-being. These results underscore the need for incorporating structured sleep optimisation programs in athletic training and recovery protocols.