P081 Assessing the role of mental health on the prevalence of sleep complaints amongst current and retired athletes

Abstract

Abstract Introduction Validated sleep and mental health assessments are grossly underutilised in athletic populations. Previous studies have predominantly focused on elite competitors. To form a more representative view of sleep and mental health in athletes, we conducted a large-scale survey that is more inclusive of different competition levels and playing statuses. Methods Current and retired athletes (N=1007) participated in an online survey. Utilising validated tools, we screened for sleep difficulty and disordered breathing (ASSQ), depression (CESD-R), anxiety (GAD-7), and poor quality of life (PWI-A). Participants were categorised as currently competing, retired, or unable to play, from an amateur, sports institute/university, semi-professional, or professional level. Results Retired athletes (41.7%) were more likely to report sleep apnoea symptoms than competing athletes (24.5%) and those unable to play (27.1%) (p<.001). No differences in sleep difficulty were observed across playing status (p=.212). Competition level did not affect sleep difficulty (p=.595) or sleep apnoea symptomology (p=.274). Sleep apnoea symptomology was predicted by age (p<.001), BMI (p<.001), and quality of life (p=.002), but not anxiety (p=.544) or depression (p=.102). Sleep difficulty was predicted by the same factors, in addition to depression (p<.001). Discussion Findings suggest that sleep problems affect all athletic populations, with most respondents (72.4%) reporting mild to severe sleep difficulty. While competition level may not affect athletes’ sleep health, we identified athletic retirement, age, BMI, depression, and poor quality of life as risk factors for disordered sleep. Therefore, protective strategies for mental health are needed for athletes from all competition levels and playing statuses.