0794 EXPOSURE TO INFRARED ENERGY DURING SLEEP IMPROVES NOCTURNAL SLEEP AND REDUCES DAYTIME NAPPING IN AMATEUR ATHLETES

Abstract

Introduction: Exposure to infrared energy improves local blood flow, promoting recovery from exercise. We examined the impact of infrared energy exposure during the night on the nocturnal sleep and daytime activity of adults who regularly participated in cross-fit training. Methods: The 'intervention' bedsheets were imprinted with Far- Infrared Emitting Ceramics (cFIRs) which transforms body warmth into the emission of infrared energy. Seventeen athletes (median age 40 years, range 22-66; 9 male, 8 female) were randomly assigned to sleep with the intervention sheets for 5 weeks. Another 12 athletes were randomly assigned to sleep on identical appearing control sheets for 5 weeks (median age 30 years, range 17-58; 4 males, 8 females). The 5-week intervention period was preceded by one week of observation with actigraphy, and the 5-week randomized period was followed by a one-week 'washout'. Measures included weekly assessment of the Insomnia Severity Index (ISI), the Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS), the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ9), and the Profile of Mood State (POMS) Fatigue and Vigor subscales. Participants completed daily dairies. Actigraphy was recorded, but will be the subject of a later report. Results: The ISI scores were lower (better) for the intervention group, with a lower average post-randomization score during the intervention (p<0.001). The difference in ISI scores was evident by the first week and sustained across the period of randomization. PHQ9 scores were also lower (better), but this was explained by the single insomnia item in the PHQ9. The proportion of participants taking naps was lower in the intervention group (p<0.001). No other measures were statistically significant, but the following variables showed a numerical (non-significant) advantage for the intervention group: POMS-fatigue, sleep latency, number of awakenings, wake after sleep onset, and total sleep time. Conclusion: This group of cross-fit athletes experienced improvements in self-reported sleep and reduced napping time after exposure to infrared energy during the night. This study is consistent with the premise that infrared energy exposure has a health benefit in humans.