A bespoke sleep monitoring and sleep hygiene intervention improves sleep in an U18 professional football player: A case study

This case study reports on a professional football player (age: 17.6 years) who was referred for sleep monitoring and intervention after reporting excessive night-time awakenings. The player undertook a series of subjective sleep assessments and objective sleep monitoring (activity monitor). Based on the data presented, a sleep hygiene intervention was prescribed. Numerical comparisons were made between pre-intervention (Pre) and post-intervention (Post) values. Objective values were also compared to reference data from a similarly aged professional cohort from the same club (n = 11). Wake episodes per night (Pre: 7.9 +/- 3, Post: 4.5 +/- 1.9; -43%) and wake after sleep onset (WASO; Pre: 74.3 +/- 31.8 mins, Post: 50.0 +/- 22.8 mins, -33%) were improved from Pre to Post. Compared to the reference data, mean wake episodes per night (Pre: 7.9 +/- 3.0, reference: 4.6 +/- 2.6; -42%) and WASO (Pre: 74.3 +/- 31.8 mins, reference: 44.3 +/- 36.5 mins; -40%) were all lower compared to Pre levels. Whilst causality cannot be proven, we observed multiple sleep metrics improving following an intervention. This provides a potential framework for practitioners looking to provide targeted sleep assessment and intervention.

Automated summary

This case study examines the sleep patterns of a 17.6-year-old professional football player who experienced excessive night-time awakenings. The player underwent subjective and objective sleep assessments, and a sleep hygiene intervention was prescribed based on the data. The results showed improved sleep quality and lower wake episodes compared to pre-intervention levels and reference data from a similar professional cohort.