Exploring the effect of napping on sleep quality and duration in collegiate athletes

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to extend research on napping and sleep behaviors in collegiate athletes, and to compare nappers and non-nappers on sleep quality and duration. Methods: Current varsity, club, and intramural athletes between 18-29 years completed the Short Napping Behavior Scale, Pittsburgh Quality Sleep Index, Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7, and the Patient Health Questionnaire-9. Results: Approximately 72% (129/179) reported napping. There were no significant differences in outcomes between nap frequency groups on sleep quality (Χ²(3)=4.97, p=.17) or duration (Χ²(3)=1.20, p=.75). Moreover, there was no significant differences for nap length groups on sleep quality (Χ²(3)=7.03, p=.07) or duration (Χ²(3)=1.32, p=.72). Furthermore, there were no significant differences for nap timing groups on sleep quality (Χ²(3)=1.54, p=.67) or duration (Χ²(3)=2.43, p=.49). Conclusion: In a sample of collegiate athletes, nap frequency, length, and timing were not associated with worse sleep quality or duration.