Effects of a sleep hygiene period on the match-loads and performance indicators of male university-level soccer players during a tournament

Abstract

Effects of a sleep hygiene period on the match-loads and performance indicators of male university-level soccer players during a tournament. With soccer being one of the most popular sports worldwide and players training harder and competing in more competitions, a greater physiological demand is placed on their bodies. Recovery strategies are used to help athletes recover between training sessions, matches, and competitions. Athletes are advised to obtain eight hours of sleep per night to improve their mood, cognitive performance and decrease daytime sleepiness. Over the years, sleep hygiene principles have been implemented to aid in the quality and quantity of sleep obtained. Despite numerous publications, a gap still exists on what effect a Sleep Hygiene Intervention Period (SHP) has on real-life match Performance Indicators (PIs). Therefore, the main objectives of this study were to determine the effects of an SHP on the physical performance indicators of male university-level soccer players during a soccer tournament. Secondly, to determine the effect of an SHP on the internal [HR] and external (GPS) match demands of male university-level soccer players during a soccer tournament. Sixteen soccer players from the North-West University participated in the study. Internal- and external match demands (rate of perceived exertion - RPE, heartrate - HR and global positioning systems - GPS), as well as numerous (PIs), were analysed over an entire tournament. For objective one, 14 matches (five matches: no-SHP, four matches consisting of SHP, and five matches: no-SHP), and for objective two, eight matches (two matches: no-SHP, four matches consisting of SHP, and two matches of no-SHP) were analysed. During the no-SHP, players continued with their own, normal sleep routines. For the SHP, players were required to adhere to at least 10 of a possible 16 sleep hygiene principles daily in their own home setting for at least a week prior to the match. Comparing the different halves between the no-intervention and post-intervention conditions, the minimum HR (p = 0.006) and time spent in the medium HR zone (p = 0.040) were significantly higher during the SHP period compared to the second half. Following the intervention period total distance (p = 0.003), distance covered while running (p = 0.006), and jogging (p = 0.001) was higher than the no-SHP. Distances covered at different intensities showed significantly higher values for moderate (p = 0.018) and low intensities (p = 0.009). There were significantly more decelerations below -4 m/s² (p = 0.033) and between -3 to -4 m/s² (p = 0.047), as well as more accelerations between 3 – 4 m/s² (p = 0.001), and above four m/s² (p = 0.005). A higher number of connections (p = 0.05) and dribbles (p = 0.01) were reported during the SHP. The number of passes (p = 0.09, ES = 1.1) and crosses (p = 0.20, ES = 0.8) demonstrated a large and moderate effect size, respectively. Successful passes (24.9%), connections (38%), dribbles (47.3%), crosses (28.6%), successful passes in opposition half (10.2%), and shots taken in the penalty area (24.7%) improved during the SHP. In conclusion, an SHP can lead to significantly better physical output measures as well as improvements in (PIs) during a soccer match of university-level soccer players when comparing an SHP to a no-SHP. Therefore, emphasising the importance of implementing sleep as a recovery tool for athletes and coaching staff to implement over a competitive season.