Are combat athletes different sleepers? A Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index-based comparative survey across athletic populations

Zofia Tkocz, Nutrition and Sport Performance Research Group, Institute of Sport Sciences, The Jerzy Kukuczka University of Physical Education, Katowice, PolandFollow
Małgorzata Hołda dr, Jagiellonian University, Institute of Psychology, Krakow, PolandFollow
Michał Spieszny, Institute of Sports Sciences, University of Physical Culture in Krakow, Krakow, Poland
Adam Zając, Institute of Sport Sciences, The Jerzy Kukuczka University of Physical Education, Katowice, Poland
Robert Trybulski, Medical Department, Wojciech Korfanty Upper Silesian Academy in Katowice, Katowice, Poland/ Provita Żory Medical Center, Żory, Poland
Aleksandra Filip-Stachnik, Nutrition and Sport Performance Research Group, Institute of Sport Sciences, The Jerzy Kukuczka University of Physical Education, Katowice, Poland / Department of Sports Medicine and Human Nu-trition, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of Physical Education, Krakow, Poland

Abstract

Background: Sleep plays an important role in athletic performance, recovery, and cognitive function. The aim of this study was to compare sleep quality and selected sleep-related variables in combat sports athletes and athletes from other sport disciplines . Materials and Methods: Ninety-eight competitive athletes participated in the study, including 52 combat sports athletes and 46 athletes representing other sport disciplines. Sleep quality was assessed using the modified Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) with a weekly recall period, global PSQI score and additional variables, such as sleep duration, sleep latency, and habitual sleep-wake times, were analyzed using general linear models adjusted for age and sex. Results: No significant differences were observed between combat sports athletes and athletes from other sports in PSQI global scores, sleep duration, sleep latency, or sleep-wake times after adjusting for age and sex. Older athletes demonstrated higher PSQI scores, earlier bedtimes and wake times, and shorter sleep duration. A significant proportion of athletes demonstrated reduced sleep quality (PSQI > 5), with approximately one-quarter sleeping less than 7 hours per night. Conclusions: These results suggest that combat sports participation alone may not be an independent factor in poorer sleep quality. Sleep disorders appear to be a broader problem among competitive athletes, highlighting the importance of regular sleep monitoring and recovery strategies in the athletic population.

Recommended Citation

Tkocz Z, Holda M, Spieszny M, Zajac A, Trybulski R, Filip-Stachnik A. Are combat athletes different sleepers? A Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index-based comparative survey across athletic populations. Balt J Health Phys Act. 2026;18(2):Article11. DOI: 10.29359/BJHPA.18.2.11