Rest for Success: Investigating Sleep Quality and its Impact on the Quality of Life of Elite National Athletes

Abstract

This study investigated the relationship between sleep quality and quality of life (QoL) in elite national athletes. A mixed-methods approach was employed, integrating quantitative data from validated questionnaires with qualitative insights from interviews and sleep diaries. The sample comprised of 150 athletes from diverse sports backgrounds. The results indicated a mean Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) score of 6.2, suggesting prevalent sleep disturbances. Significant negative correlations were identified between the PSQI scores and all QoL domains, with the strongest associations observed for physical health (r = -0.43,  p< .01) and psychological well-being (r= -0.41, p< .01). Linear regression analysis demonstrated that sleep quality significantly predicted overall QoL (β = -0.42, p < .001), accounting for 19% of the variance. Qualitative data underscored sleep disruptions related to travel, training loads, and performance anxiety. These findings underscore the critical role of sleep-in athletes’ holistic well-being and performance and suggest that targeted sleep interventions can enhance both athletic outcomes and overall life satisfaction.