Sleep quality associated with mood in elite athletes.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to analyze the association between sleep quality and mood in elite athletes of different competitive levels.

METHODS: Participants were 1,041 elite athletes (aged 20.82 ± 6.62 years), with 671 men (64.5%/21.52 ± 6.90 years) and 370 women (35.5%/19.55 ± 5.89 years) from 10 individual sports and 6 team sports. Participants self-reported sleep quality on a Likert-type scale and mood was measured with the Brunel Mood Scale (BRUMS). The data were analyzed using the Kruskal-Wallis test, and binary logistic regression.

RESULTS: Results revealed that athletes who compete internationally are 84% more likely to have poor sleep quality than athletes who compete at a regional level. International athletes with good sleep quality showed greater vigor. National athletes with poor sleep quality showed more confusion, depression, and fatigue. Thus, mood and competitive level are factors associated with sleep quality. Confusion, fatigue, and tension impair sleep, and vigor reduces the likelihood of poor sleep.

CONCLUSIONS: Sleep should be monitored, especially in international level athletes, in order to prevent sleep disorders during competitions. Coaches and athletes should use techniques and strategies for appropriate management of sleep and mood, to maintain the athletes in optimal condition before important competitions.