The Impact of Energy Balance on Sleep Time and Recovery

Abstract

In female athletes, prolonged energy deficits have been demonstrated to negatively influence performance, recovery, and impair sleep. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the relationship between energy status, sleep quality, recovery and training satisfaction in Division II female lacrosse players. METHODS: Twenty-two female lacrosse players (20.4 ± 1.79 years, 69.1 ± 8.7 kg, 168 ± 6.3 cm, 28.1 ± 2.99% fat) wore a physical activity monitor to assess total daily energy expenditure (TDEE) and recorded dietary intake using MyFitnessPal over a four-day period during NCAA season play. Energy balance over the four-day period was then calculated based on the sum of total energy in – TDEE. Upon returning the physical activity monitor, players also completed a questionnaire that assessed total sleep, sleep quality, ratings of recovery, soreness and satisfaction with training using visual analog scales. RESULTS: Players presented with an average energy deficit of -1,186.85 kcal/d (SD = 813.09) and an average of 6.77 (SD = 1.02) hrs. of sleep per night. Those in a state of higher energy balance reported more hours of sleep (r = 0.641, p = 0.001), felt more rested (r = 0.535, p = 0.01) and were more satisfied with training (r = 0.484, p=0.023). CONCLUSION: Our results imply that an improved energy state helps to facilitate an increase in total hours slept. An improved energy state also appears to result in athletes feeling more rested and satisfied with training during the competitive season. Female lacrosse players demonstrated that a more favorable state of energy balance appears to be associated with more total hours of sleep, feeling better rested and being more satisfied with training. Therefore maintaining a positive energy balance should be a primary focus for coaches and athletes to help promote optimal training, performance, and recovery.