Comparing Perceived Sleep Quality, Practices, and Behaviors of Male and Female Elite Rugby Union Athletes with the Use of Sleep Questionnaires

Abstract

Objective To evaluate the differences in subjective sleep quality, quantity, and behaviors among male and female elite rugby union athletes through two common sleep questionnaires. Materials and Methods A sample of 38 male and 27 female elite rugby union athletes filled out the Athlete Sleep Behavior Questionnaire (ASBQ) and the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). Global scores and individual items for each questionnaire were compared to assess differences between sexes. Results Male athletes reported significantly longer sleep duration (7 h 50 m ± 50 m versus 7h 12 m ± 58 m respectively; p ≤ 0.01; d = 0.70) and higher habitual sleep efficiency (88% versus 83% respectively; p < 0.05; d = 0.54) when compared with female athletes. Individual items of the ASBQ revealed significant differences between male and female athletes for five questions. Male athletes displayed higher instances of taking stimulants before training or competition and consuming alcohol within 4 hours of going to bed. Conversely, female athletes expressed greater thought or worry while in bed and a higher instance of training late at night. Discussion Male athletes displayed better self-reported sleep quality and quantity than female athletes; however, the present study highlighted that male and female elite rugby union athletes face specific challenges that differ. It appears that the differences observed between male and female elite rugby union athletes may be due to differing levels of professionalism or differences in training or competition schedules.

Relación de trastornos del sueño durante viajes competitivos con calidad de sueño, sexo y modalidad deportiva en universitarios. (Relationship of sleep disorders during competitive travels with sleep quality, sex and sports modality in university students.)

“…nerviosismo sobre la competencia) y no deportivos (p.ej. emociones negativas) mientras están en la cama en comparación con los deportistas masculinos (Erlacher et al, 2011;Teece et al, 2023).…”

“…Un factor que se ha relacionado a la CS en deportistas es el sexo; de manera general, las mujeres deportistas presen-tan una peor CS que los hombres principalmente por factores hormonales, sociales y psicológicos (Miles et al, 2021;Teece et al, 2023). Así mismo, el rendimiento deportivo en competencia y el estrés en mujeres gimnastas se ha correlacionado con la disfunción diurna de sus actividades cotidianas y la CS auto informadas ( Silva & Paiva, 2016;Silva & Paiva, 2019).…”