Sleep Deprivation and Athletic Performance

This chapter aims to illustrate the impact of sleep deprivation on athletic performance. Sleep research distinguishes between total, partial, and selective sleep deprivation. In rats, sleep deprivation of two to three weeks leads to death under experimental conditions. In humans, due to ethical reasons, only shorter periods of sleep deprivation have been studied. Here too, losses are primarily seen in cognitive performance, with microsleep episodes in particular reducing performance after sleep deprivation. In addition, there are negative changes in memory formation, pain perception, the immune system, and metabolism. The effects on motor skills such as strength and endurance are rather minor due to sleep deprivation. Various recommendations for action arise for sports practice, although various questions still need to be investigated.