Cohort study, 2026
Does sleeping longer improve mood and fitness in elite athletes?
Yes. Sleeping longer was linked to better mood and fitness across all athletes, regardless of menstrual cycle status. Sleeping less than 8 hours was linked to below-average mood and fitness.
What they did
Prospective cohort study tracking 108 elite French athletes daily from February 2021 to February 2024 using smartphone apps. They tracked sleep duration, sleep quality, mood, fitness level, and menstrual cycle status.
What they found
Sleep duration correlated with sleep quality and mood in all groups. Sleeping less than 8 hours was linked to below-average scores in all three areas. Late bedtimes (after 11 PM for athletes with irregular cycles, after midnight for others) negatively affected sleep quality, fitness, and mood. Athletes using hormonal contraception slept slightly longer than those with regular cycles. Average sleep was 8.5 ± 1.2 hours per night.
What it means for you
Getting enough sleep and going to bed earlier matters for mood and fitness in elite athletes, regardless of menstrual cycle status. This study was in elite athletes preparing for the Olympics, so results may not apply to other women.
108
athletes
8
minimum sleep hours for good mood and fitness
8.5 ± 1.2
average sleep hours per night
About the study
- Original title
- Sleep duration impact on sleep quality, mood, and fitness in elite athletes with a natural menstrual cycle or hormonal contraceptive use
- Authors
- Baber F, Chassard T, Badier N et al.
- Journal
- Chronobiology international
- Year
- 2026
- Study design
- Cohort study
- Participants
- 108
- What was tested
- None
- Read the paper
- doi.org/10.1080/07420528.2025.2594720
Topics
Related studies
Survey study, 2026
How does sleep change across the menstrual cycle in women with psychiatric conditions and suicidal thinking?
Lab study, 2023
Does sleep change across the menstrual cycle?
Survey study, 2021
Does the menstrual cycle affect women's ability to train and compete?
Case-control study, 2015
Does lamotrigine reduce menstrual cycle-related mood changes in women with bipolar disorder?
Survey study, 2013
Are menstrual symptoms common in middle-aged women and do they relate to hot flushes?
Survey study, 2025
Are violent tendencies linked to premenstrual symptoms?