39th Annual Student Research Conference
Comparison of Weekday and Weekend Sleep Hours in College Athletes and Nonatheltes
Isabel G. Boyd* and Hayley G. Legg
Dr. Jerry L. Mayhew , Faculty Mentor
Adequate sleep is important factor in maintaining college students’ health. However, the rigorous daily schedules of college athletes may affect the amount of sleep they receive. The purpose of this study was to compare sleep hours between college athletes and non-athletes during the week and on weekends. Male (n = 10) and female athletes (n = 12) and male (n = 13) and female (n =12) nonathletes voluntarily reported their average weekday and weekend sleep hours. Athletes slept significantly less (p<0.003) during the week (5.88±0.98 hrs) and on weekends (7.52±1.33 hrs) than non-athletes (6.84±1.06 and 8.40±1.18 hrs, respectively). When comparing the sexes, there was no significant difference (p=0.83) between men and women in their amount of sleep hours on weekdays (6.20±1.21 hrs vs 6.57±0.97 hrs) and weekends (7.96±1.45 hrs vs 7.95±1.09 hrs). This study suggests that college athletes tend to get less sleep both during the week and on weekends than non-athletes. The degree to which the reduced sleep hours in athletes affect both academic and athletic performance warrants further investigation.
Keywords: Sleep Hours , Athlete , Non - Athlete , Weekday, Weekend
Topic(s):Exercise Science
Presentation Type: Poster Presentation
Session: TBA
Location: TBA
Time: TBA