Stress, Sleep and Recovery in Elite Soccer: A Critical Review of the Literature
Résumé
In elite soccer, players are frequently exposed to
various situations and conditions that can interfere with
sleep, potentially leading to sleep deprivation. This article
provides a comprehensive and critical review of the current
available literature regarding the potential acute and chronic
stressors (i.e. psychological, sociological and physiological
stressors) placed on elite soccer players that may result in
compromised sleep quantity and/or quality. Sleep is an
essential part of the recovery process as it provides a
number of important psychological and physiological
functions. The effects of sleep disturbance on post-soccer
match fatigue mechanisms and recovery time course are
also described. Physiological and cognitive changes that
occur when competing at night are often not conducive to
sleep induction. Although the influence of high-intensity
exercise performed during the night on subsequent sleep is
still debated, environmental conditions (e.g. bright light in
the stadium, light emanated from the screens) and behaviours
related to evening soccer matches (e.g. napping,
caffeine consumption, alcohol consumption) as well as
engagement and arousal induced by the match may all
potentially affect subsequent sleep. Apart from night soccer
matches, soccer players are subjected to inconsistency in
match schedules, unique team schedules and travel fatigue
that may also contribute to the sleep debt. Sleep deprivation
may be detrimental to the outcome of the recovery process
after a match, resulting in impaired muscle glycogen
repletion, impaired muscle damage repair, alterations in
cognitive function and an increase in mental fatigue. The
role of sleep in recovery is a complex issue, reinforcing the
need for future research to estimate the quantitative and
qualitative importance of sleep and to identify influencing
factors. Efficient and individualised solutions are likely
needed.