Article and Comment: Wake up call for collegiate athlete sleep: narrative review and consensus recommendations from the NCAA Interassociation Task Force on Sleep and Wellness

Consistent, quality sleep is an essential component of general health and wellbeing. In athletes in particular, sleep can also have a massive impact on their physical and mental sporting performance.

These recommendations of the NCAA task force for sleep and wellness are based on the highest quality evidence and research available, and despite being tailored to athletes, also has some important messages and guidelines for the everyday individual.

The recommendations are:

1. Have a consistent and regular sleep schedule, including on weekends.

2. Seek bright light during the day (especially in the mornings) and avoid bright or artificial light at night when possible.

3. Keep bedrooms cool, dark and comfortable.

4. Avoid caffeine (including coffee and strong tea) for at least 6 hours before sleep times.

5. Avoid consuming food and drink in excess prior to sleep, as this can disrupt digestion and increase frequency of bathroom use.

6. Avoid checking the time in the middle of the night, as this can increase brain activity and alertness.

7. Individuals who find it hard to fall asleep should avoid naps during daytime.

8. Use the bed for sleep only! Other activities like watching TV, reading etc. should be done outside of the bedroom. This tunes the body to acknowledge the bed as a stimulus for sleep, and help improve sleep quality over time.

Individuals who follow these guidelines have better overall health, performance (both in sport/competition and at work), and mental alertness, including academic performance.

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Wake up call for collegiate athlete sleep: narrative review and consensus recommendations from the NCAA Interassociation Task Force on Sleep and Wellness

Sleep is an important determinant of collegiate athlete health, well-being and performance. However, collegiate athlete social and physical environments are often not conducive to obtaining restorative sleep. Traditionally, sleep has not been a primary focus of collegiate athletic training and is neglected due to competing academic, athletic and social demands. Collegiate athletics departments are well positioned to facilitate better sleep culture for their athletes. Recognising the lack of evidence-based or consensus-based guidelines for sleep management and restorative sleep for collegiate athletes, the National Collegiate Athletic Association hosted a sleep summit in 2017.