0501 Sleep pattern changes two years after participating in the Makos sleep study: The effect of extending total sleep time and weighted blankets on teenage swimmers performance

Abstract

Abstract Introduction The initial Makos study was conducted in 2019, studying the effect of extending total sleep time and the use of weighted blankets (ETST+WB) on teenage swimmers’ performance. In it, we found a significant improvement of 100-free style race time in teenage swimmers after ETST+WB. The aim of the current follow-up study is to evaluate the sleep pattern of the same swimmers after 2 years. Methods Using an open-label prospective approach, the study investigated swimmer’s event time changes, total sleep time, daytime sleepiness, and other sleep measures after 2 years of the initial changes during the first study. 8 healthy swimmers on the Makos swim team filled follow-up questionnaires and participated in a 100-yard freestyle race. Descriptive statistics, frequency distributions, and correlation using SPSS 14. Results Eight (6F; 2M) of the initial nine seasonal teen swimmers participated (age 13-17). Four swimmers reported headaches and one reported sore throat in the morning. Three (37.5%) reported feeling sleepy during the day and 3 reported falling asleep when riding in a car. Two reported leg movements during the night. In two years after the initial study, 100-free race time significantly improved (65.01*5.38 vs 59.32*5.43 p=0.003), but the positive effect of ETST+WB on recorded sleep time was lost and returned to baseline. There was a clear trend, but no significant difference in total sleep time among the 3 groups: (initial 8:45 *0:32; after ETST+WB 9:17*0:32; after 2 years 8:08*0:30). Conclusion The improvement of total sleep time with weighted blankets and encouragement during the initial study correlated with improvement of 100 free race time in seasonal teen swimmers. This improvement in total sleep time was lost and returned back to baseline after 2 years follow up. Support (If Any) The authors report no financial relationship with any company whose products are mentioned in this manuscript, or with companies of competing products. Participants will be able to keep SKY Grand activity trackers at the end of their participation.