Effects of Overnight Sleep Deprivation on Appetite and Physical Performance in Elite Female Soccer Players

Objective: Sleep and awakening are a biological cycle that is affected by physiological function, light and darkness, work programs, and other activities. The vital role of sleep in body function and appetite is essential, and this is especially important for athletes. Meanwhile, the conditions of soccer players are such that they are deprived of sleep, and this is a risk to a professional athlete. The aim of the current study was to examine the effects of overnight sleep deprivation on appetite and physical performance in elite female soccer players. Materials and Methods: Twelve elite female soccer players in the premier league of Iran with 10-year history were selected to the study (age: 28.50 +/- 3.45 yr, height: 160.50 +/- 4.07 cm, weight: 55.12 +/- 3.52 kg, body mass index: 21.38 +/- 1.06 kg/m(2)). Subjects were evaluated in two rounds with normal sleep and deprivation of night sleep (DNS) and between these two rounds was also a recovery week. The evaluations included physical performance and appetite. Results: DNS had a significant effect on appetite (feeling hungry, full, satiate, and eating desire), reaction time, balance (static and dynamic), anaerobic power (peak power, minimum power, average power, and fatigue index), and aerobic performance (p=0.05). Conclusion: DNS may induce disruptions on the appetite and physical performance of elite soccer players. For these, athletes should take into consideration adequate night sleep before performing physical tasks.