PUB - Publikationen an der Universität Bielefeld

Objectives. Recent studies have demonstrated different effects of physical activity on sleep and the results ranged from positive over negative effects to no influence at all. The aim of this pilot study was to assess the sleep behavior of adolescent footballers, sleep hygiene and other psychological parameters compared to a less sportive control group. According to the literature it was to be expected that late night football would be negatively associated with sleep behavior.Method. A total of 11 adolescents took part in this study, the 6 footballers and 5 controls kept a sleep diary and answered further questionnaires about anxiety, depressiveness and sleep hygiene.Results. Analysis of the sleep diaries showed no differences between the groups although the footballers were physically active more often and later in the evening. Furthermore, the results of the subjective perception of normal routine performance and anxiety were equal for both groups. However, a tendency to better sleep hygiene and less depressiveness was found in the sport group.Conclusions. The results of this pilot study showed no negative effects of late night football on sleep in adolescents; however, it has to be taken into account that not only different mediator variables might control the effect of physical activity on sport, e.g. time, intensity, duration and regularity but also aspects of the mental well-being and should be considered in future experiments.