1207 PRELIMINARY RESULTS OF A SLEEP HEALTH INTERVENTION IN STUDENT ATHLETES: PERCEIVED CHANGES TO SLEEP, PERFORMANCE, AND MENTAL AND PHYSICAL WELL-BEING

Abstract

Introduction: Student athletes are at high risk of sleep problems, perhaps due to over-scheduling and difficulty balancing academics and athletics. The present study evaluated whether students perceived benefits of a relatively simple sleep health intervention. Methods: This single-group pilot of a sleep health intervention was conducted across the Fall 2016 semester among student athletes. It included an intake survey, a 90min education session, 10 weeks of tracking, 24/7 access to peer support and study staff for questions, and a follow-up survey. N=40 students were enrolled, though only N=35 have yet completed the follow-up survey. During the follow-up survey, participants were asked if they agreed with statements about changes as a result of the intervention. Results: Most participants reported benefits of the intervention: “I sleep better” (83% agreed), “I am more satisfied with my sleep” (83%), “I fall asleep easier” (77%), “Awakenings at night are less of a problem” (74%), “My sleep timing is better” (91%), “I know what to do if I have trouble sleeping” (86%), and “I know what to do if I am sleepy during the day” (97%). The percent that agreed that they experienced positive changes in the following are reported: “Stress” (66%), “Academic performance” (77%). “Athletic performance” (89%), “Social Life” (77%), “Family Life” (71%), “Mental Health” (77%), “Physical Health” (86%), “Energy Level” (91%), and “Ability to Focus” (83%). Of these 16 domains, improvement was reported in M=13.2(SD=3.3) domains per student. Conclusion: A relatively simple intervention based on education and monitoring in a small group of student athletes produced perceived improvements across many domains of sleep, performance, and mental and physical health.