Prevalence of sleep disorders and sleep problems in an elite super rugby union team

Ian C. Dunican; Jennifer Walsh; Charles C. Higgins; Maddison J. Jones; Kathleen Maddison; John A. Caldwell; Hillman David; Peter R. Eastwood

doi:10.1080/02640414.2018.1537092

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Prevalence of sleep disorders and sleep problems in an elite super rugby union team

Journal article

Peer reviewed

Prevalence of sleep disorders and sleep problems in an elite super rugby union team

Ian C. Dunican, Jennifer Walsh, Charles C. Higgins, Maddison J. Jones, Kathleen Maddison, John A. Caldwell, Hillman David and Peter R. Eastwood

Journal of sports sciences, Vol.37(8), pp.950-957

2019

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/02640414.2018.1537092

PMID: 30372656

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Abstract

Polysomnography

sleep related breathing disorders

insomnia

leg movements

athletes

sports teams

The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of sleep disorders in an elite rugby union team using in-laboratory polysomnography (PSG) and sleep questionnaires. Twenty-five elite rugby union players underwent a night of PSG during the “off-season” of the Super Rugby competition to assess their sleep. Of interest were measurements that detected the presence of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA; apnea-hypopnea index ≥5 events/hr) and the presence of moderate-severe periodic leg movements during sleep (PLMs; ≥15 events/hr). Players completed sleep-related questionnaires to assess daytime sleepiness, perception of insomnia, risk of OSA, and the presence of restless legs syndrome (RLS) and underwent basic anthropometric assessments including body mass index and neck circumference. OSA was present in 24% (n=6) of players and PLMs ≥15 events/hr in 12% (n=3). Questionnaire responses showed that all players had insomnia defined subthreshold insomnia and excessive daytime sleepiness, two players were identified as being at risk for OSA and none were classified as having RLS. In conclusion, sleep disorders and excessive sleepiness are common in elite rugby union players. A process to identify and manage sleep disorders should be considered by teams to optimise their physical recovery, athletic performance and to safeguard their health.

Details

Title: Prevalence of sleep disorders and sleep problems in an elite super rugby union team
Authors/Creators: Ian C. Dunican - The University of Western Australia
Jennifer Walsh - The University of Western Australia
Charles C. Higgins - Rugby Western Australia, Western Force, Floreat, WA, Australia
Maddison J. Jones - The University of Western Australia
Kathleen Maddison - The University of Western Australia
John A. Caldwell - Coastal Carolina University
Hillman David - Univ Western Australia, Sch Human Sci, Ctr Sleep Sci, 35 Stirling Highway, Crawley, WA 6009, Australia
Peter R. Eastwood - The University of Western Australia
Publication Details: Journal of sports sciences, Vol.37(8), pp.950-957
Publisher: Taylor & Francis
Number of pages: 8
Identifiers: 991005592655507891
Murdoch Affiliation: Vice Chancellery
Language: English
Resource Type: Journal article

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Collaboration types: International collaboration
Citation topics: 1 Clinical & Life Sciences; 1.137 Sleep Science & Circadian Systems; 1.137.349 Insomnia
Web Of Science research areas: Sport Sciences
ESI research areas: Clinical Medicine