Sleep Deprivation and Its Contribution to Mood and Performance Deterioration in College Athletes

Abstract

Sleep deprivation is very common among collegiate student athletes, resulting in impacts on mood, physiology, and performance. There are multifactorial contributions to sleep deprivation, but resulting alterations in sleep architecture explain impacts on learning, vigilance, mood, and athletic performance. Recognition of the physical impacts is key. Clinical inquiry is warranted. Medication can be helpful short term but should be used with caution due to effects on sleep cycle and the potential for addiction. Education is an effective intervention to increase sleep time, improve mood, and improve long-term sleep habits. Sleep extension, particularly in the setting of chronic partial sleep deprivation improves mood, vigilance, and athletic performance in the college setting.