The Relationship Between Sleep Patterns and Psychological Health in Esports Athletes
Chapter from the book:
Mülazımoğlu,
O.
&
Yılmaz,
T.
&
Uluç,
E.
A.
(eds.)
2024.
Academic Research and Evaluations in the Field of Sports Sciences IX.
Synopsis
The relationship between sleep patterns and psychological health in esports athletes is a critical area of research due to the unique challenges faced by this population. Esports athletes often experience irregular sleep patterns due to the demands of training and competition schedules. Research has shown that successful esports athletes tend to have longer sleep durations and better sleep quality, which are directly related to their competitive success. Additionally, esports athletes exhibit non-traditional sleep characteristics, such as delayed sleep onset and shorter total sleep durations, compared to traditional athletes, which can lead to increased anxiety and mood disorders. Sleep deprivation can exacerbate psychological issues such as anxiety and depression, negatively impacting cognitive functions and competition performance. The reported lower sleep quality and higher depression levels among esports athletes highlight the importance of addressing sleep-related issues in this context. Chronobiological interventions and strategies aimed at improving sleep hygiene have been proposed to help esports athletes optimize their sleep patterns. The sedentary nature of esports and prolonged screen time also pose additional risks to both physical and psychological health. Prioritizing sleep health, mental health, and holistic health strategies within esports organizations could enhance athlete performance and overall well-being, creating a healthier competitive environment.