Seasonal Variations in Training Load, Sleep Parameters, and Hormonal Markers in Collegiate Male Rowers During the...

Area of Science:

• Sports Science
• Exercise Physiology
• Sleep Research

Background:

• Adequate sleep is crucial for athletic recovery and performance.
• Training load (internal and external) impacts sleep, but off-season effects are understudied.
• This study examined training load, hormones, and sleep in collegiate rowers.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the distinct relationships between internal and external training loads and sleep parameters in collegiate male rowers.
• To explore the influence of hormonal markers on sleep during the off-season.
• To identify key sleep variables for optimizing athlete recovery.

Main Methods:

• Monitored 11 collegiate male rowers over 4 months.
• Assessed internal load (session ratings of perceived exertion), external load (accelerometry), sleep (actigraphy, PSQI), and hormones (salivary cortisol, testosterone).
• Utilized repeated-measures ANOVA, correlation, and regression analyses.

Main Results:

• Training load varied significantly, peaking in October.
• Higher training loads correlated with reduced total sleep time, increased sleep latency, and decreased sleep efficiency.
• External load linked to sleep fragmentation; internal load associated with improved efficiency in specific periods.
• Hormonal fluctuations (cortisol, testosterone) correlated with sleep parameters.

Conclusions:

• Internal and external training loads have distinct effects on athlete sleep.
• Sleep duration and efficiency are modifiable targets for enhancing recovery and performance.
• Monitoring both training loads is essential for athlete well-being.