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Don't Sleep on Sleep: A Clinical CASE Report From a Division I Heptathlete
Shawn M F Allen1, Brianna L Bartaczewicz1,2, Annie E Molenhouse1
1Musculoskeletal Adaptations to Aging and eXercise (MAAX) Laboratory.
Journal of Athletic Training
|December 28, 2024
Summary
Severe sleep deprivation in a Division I track athlete led to stress reactions. Sleep interventions improved bone density and recovery, highlighting the need for sleep assessment in sports injury protocols.
Area of Science:
- Sports Medicine
- Orthopedics
- Exercise Physiology
Background:
- Medial tibial stress syndrome is common in athletes.
- Standard treatments may not address underlying factors like sleep.
- Severe sleep deprivation can negatively impact bone health and recovery.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report a case of severe sleep deprivation contributing to bilateral tibial and fibular stress reactions in a collegiate track athlete.
- To highlight the importance of sleep interventions in sports injury management.
- To emphasize the need for incorporating sleep assessment into injury screening protocols.
Main Methods:
- Case study of a female NCAA Division I track athlete.
- Initial diagnosis of medial tibial stress syndrome.
- Implementation of sleep interventions after conventional treatments failed.
- Monitoring of bone mineral density and stress reactions.
Main Results:
- Conventional treatments for shin pain were ineffective.
- Severe sleep deprivation (<3 hours/night) was identified as a contributing factor to bilateral tibial and fibular stress reactions.
- Sleep interventions led to improved total body bone mineral density.
- Bilateral stress reactions resolved following sleep interventions.
- The athlete remained injury-free for two years post-intervention, achieving personal bests.
Conclusions:
- Sleep deprivation is a critical, often overlooked, factor in sports injuries.
- Sleep interventions can significantly improve bone health and recovery in athletes.
- Standard injury screening protocols should include comprehensive sleep assessment.
- Addressing sleep quality and quantity is essential for effective sports injury treatment and prevention.
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