The Impact of Kiwifruit Consumption on the Sleep and Recovery of Elite Athletes

Abstract

Background: Poor sleep and resultant under-recovery can negatively impact training adaptations, increase the risk of injury and reduce subsequent performance. Due to the ‘food first’ approach adopted by many athletes, there is scope for investigation of ‘functional food’ based interventions (i.e., kiwifruit contains melatonin which plays a role in circadian rhythm regulation) designed to promote athlete recovery and/or enhance sleep quality and quantity. Methods: Following the baseline assessment (Week 1) all subjects began the intervention (Weeks 2–5). During the 4-week intervention, participants were asked to consume 2 medium-sized green kiwifruit (Actinidia Deliciosa) an hour before bed. Participants completed a questionnaire battery at baseline and post-intervention, and a daily sleep dairy for the duration of the study. Results: The results demonstrated a positive impact of kiwifruit consumption on key aspects of sleep and recovery in elite athletes. From baseline to post-intervention, there were clinically significant improvements in sleep quality (i.e., improved PSQI global scores and sleep quality component scores) and improvements in recovery stress balance (reduced general stress and sports stress scales). Moreover, the intervention improved sleep as evidenced by significant increases in total sleep time and sleep efficiency % and significant reductions in number of awakenings and wake after sleep onset. Conclusion: The findings broadly suggested that kiwifruit does impact positively on sleep and recovery in elite athletes.

Overview of the impact of sleep monitoring on optimal performance, immune system function and injury risk reduction in athletes: A narrative review

“…56 The impact of kiwifruit consumption on the sleep and recovery of elite athletes. 57 Under the supervision of TST (16.9%) and SE (2.4%), it was considerably seen in wrist activation, while recording mental sleep memories revealed a significant decline in WASO and SOL. Kiwi's high folate content may lead to better sleep.…”

“…Athletes who fatigue more quickly (in terms of enough sleep and mental issues) have a higher chance of injury and making more mistakes while training and making decisions. 57 This significantly influences our kids since more than 3.5 million young children 12 Science Progress 106(4)…”

“…Athletes who fatigue more quickly (in terms of enough sleep and mental issues) have a higher chance of injury and making more mistakes while training and making decisions. 57 This significantly influences our kids since more than 3.5 million young children and another 2 million high school students require associated medical care annually, and 60 million of them between the ages of 6 and 18 compete in organized sporting events. They include sports-related injuries.…”

Collagen peptide supplementation before bedtime reduces sleep fragmentation and improves cognitive function in physically active males with sleep complaints

“…As several nutrients interact with neurotransmitters that help regulate the sleep–wake cycle, there is a growing interest in dietary strategies that promote sleep [ 7 ]. For example, recent research has shown that supplementation with phytochemicals such as tart cherries [ 8 ], or kiwi fruit [ 9 ], which are both rich in the sleep promoting hormone melatonin, may enhance sleep quality in humans. In addition, high glycaemic index carbohydrates [ 10 , 11 ] and α-lactalbumin [ 12 , 13 ] before bedtime may reduce sleep onset latency, increase sleep efficiency, and extend total sleep time, via their effects on the amino acid tryptophan.…”