Prevalence and predictors of in-class dozing among collegiate athletes and non-athletes

Adequate sleep is critical for recovery and performance, yet athletes often experience less sleep than non-athletes, potentially impacting their academic performance. This study investigates the prevalence and factors in-class dozing among collegiate athletes compared to non-athletes.

This cross-sectional study surveyed 165 athletes and 92 non-athletes using an anonymous online questionnaire, focusing on sleep duration, commute times, part-time employment, and attitudes towards sleeping in class.

Athletes reported a higher frequency of in-class dozing (70.4%) compared to non-athletes (55.5%, P=0.009). The primary reason for in-class dozing among athletes was fatigue from sports practice, whereas non-athletes attributed it to part-time work. Logistic regression analysis revealed that athletes had a higher risk of in-class dozing (OR=2.71, 95% CI 1.42-5.16, P=0.002), and both younger age (OR=0.46, 95% CI 0.24-0.87, P=0.016) and insufficient sleep at night (OR=0.71, 95% CI 0.55-0.92, P=0.010) were associated with increased risk.

Both athletes and non-athletes are not obtaining adequate sleep, with athletes particularly affected by training-related fatigue possibly causing in-class dozing. Factors contributing to the likelihood of in-class dozing included younger age, inadequate nightly sleep, being an athlete, and engagement in part-time employment.