The Sleep-Wake Cycle Pattern of a Blind Trail Ultramarathon Runner and His Guide: The World's First Case

Area of Science:

• Sports Science
• Sleep Medicine
• Disability Studies

Background:

• Ultratrail running (UTR) participation is increasing, including athletes with disabilities.
• Sleep-wake patterns are critical for performance and recovery in endurance events.
• Blind athletes face unique physiological and behavioral challenges in UTRs.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the sleep-wake cycle of a blind trail ultramarathoner (BTR) and his guide (GTR).
• To assess sleep parameters before, during, and after an 80 km UTR.
• To identify sleep challenges specific to blind athletes in endurance events.

Main Methods:

• Case study design involving two male participants (BTR and GTR).
• Utilized validated questionnaires (MEQ, ESS, ISI, PSQI) and actigraphy over 35 days.
• Time series analysis to assess sleep variability and circadian phase stability.

Main Results:

• The BTR exhibited a morning chronotype, mild insomnia, poor sleep quality, and prolonged sleep latency.
• The GTR showed an indifferent chronotype, good sleep quality, and shorter sleep latency.
• Post-competition, both increased Total Sleep Time (TST), but the BTR had greater Wakefulness After Sleep Onset (WASO) and variability in sleep efficiency.

Conclusions:

• Blind athletes experience distinct sleep challenges that can affect recovery and performance.
• Understanding these challenges is crucial for developing targeted support strategies.
• Further research is needed to optimize sleep and performance for para-athletes in endurance sports.