Sex differences among endurance athletes in the pre-race relationships between sleep, and perceived stress and recovery

Abstract

This study examined sex differences among endurance athletes in pre-race relationships between sleep, and perceived stress and recovery. Thirty-six athletes completed the Short Recovery and Stress Scale, and had sleep monitored via actigraphy, over four consecutive days prior to an ultra-marathon. Overall, compared with males, females had shorter wake after sleep onset (mean ± SD, 50 ± 23 vs 65 ± 23 min, <i>p</i> = .04) and lower <i>emotional balance</i> (3.9 ± 1.1 vs 4.8 ± 1.1 arbitrary units, <i>p</i> = .001). The day before the race, females scored higher for all stress-related items (<i>p</i> < 0.05). Among females, higher scores for <i>emotional balance</i> (β = -31 min, <i>p</i> = .01) and <i>negative emotional state</i> (β = -21 min, <i>p</i> < .001) were associated with reduced sleep duration. Among males, higher scores for <i>overall stress</i> were associated with increased sleep duration (β = 22 min, <i>p</i> = .01). Across all athletes, longer sleep duration was associated with improved <i>overall recovery</i> (β = 0.003 arbitrary units, <i>p</i> = .02). Females experienced greater pre-race stress than males, and their sleep duration was associated with emotional factors. The SRSS may help identify female athletes at risk of sleep difficulties prior to competition.