Abstract details
| Abstract-ID: | 1900 |
| Title of the paper: | Comparative analysis of sleep in high-performance swimmers: training vs. competition |
| Authors: | Surala, O., Malczewska-Lenczowska, J.1, Sitkowski, D.1, Witek, K.1, Slominski, P.2, Certa, M.2 |
| Institution: | Institute of Sport National Research Institute |
| Department: | Department of Nutrition Physiology |
| Country: | Poland |
| Abstract text | INTRODUCTION: leep is a fundamental component of recovery in elite swimming, yet it is often compromised by early training hours. Given that Grand Prix events in Poland serve primarily as domestic ranking meets rather than primary qualification events, they potentially involve lower psychological pressure than major championships. The aim of this study was to compare objective sleep parameters between regular training days and a national-level competition in high-performance swimmers. METHODS: Eighteen national and international level swimmers (8 females, 10 males; age 21 ± 4 years, World Aquatics points 763 ± 114, 576-940) were monitored using ActiGraph GT3X-BT sensors. Sleep was assessed during two 5-day training periods (10 days total) and throughout two Grand Prix events (4 competition days total). Parameters included total sleep time (TST), sleep latency, sleep efficiency, wake after sleep onset (WASO), and sleep fragmentation index (SFI). Statistical analysis employed Linear Mixed Models (LMM) with participant ID as a random effect. Effect sizes were reported as partial eta squared (?˛p) and Cohen’s d. RESULTS: LMM analysis revealed significant shifts in sleep duration during the competition phase. TST increased significantly (F?1,125? = 107.77, p < 0.001, ?˛p = 0.356, d = 1.488) from 358 min (95% CL: 340–376) during training to 439 min (95% CL: 419–459) during Grand Prix. This 81-minute gain was driven by a significant delay in wake-up times (07:01 vs 05:08, p < 0.001), despite a slightly later bedtime during competition (22:43 vs 22:23, p = 0.001). Sleep latency was significantly lower during Grand Prix compared to training (2 min vs 4 min, F?1,48? = 6.43, p = 0.012, d = 0.363). WASO significantly increased during competition (58 min vs 43 min, F?1,23? = 30.25, p < 0.001, d = 0.790). Efficiency (88%) remained stable. CONCLUSION: The results demonstrate that swimmers experience significant sleep restriction during training phases due to early morning sessions. The removal of these sessions during Grand Prix events allowed athletes to extend their sleep duration by 81 minutes. The lower latency and increased TST during competition suggest that when the competitive pressure is relatively low and the schedule permits later wake-up times, swimmers can achieve durations closer to recommended guidelines. These findings highlight that standard training routines may be more restrictive to sleep than the competitive environment itself. |
| Topic: | Physiology |
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