Sleep Disturbances in Elite Athletes: Psychological Mechanisms, Performance Implications, and Evidence Based Interventions

¹Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow, Russia

²Mkhitar Gosh Russian Armenian International University, www.ariu.org,Yerevan, Armenia

³Moscow Financial and Industrial University Synergy, Moscow, Russia

⁴N.I. Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University, Moscow, Russia

⁵D.I. Mendeleev University of Chemical Technology, Moscow, Russia

⁶Peoples' Friendship University of Russia, www.rudn.ru, Moscow, Russia

*Corresponding Author: Dr. Valentin V Fursov, N.I. Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University, Moscow, Russia, D.I. Mendeleev University of Chemical Technology, Moscow, Russia & Peoples' Friendship University of Russia, www.rudn.ru, Moscow, Russia, Email: [email protected]

Received Date: February 14, 2026

Published Date: April 24, 2026

Citation: Fursov IV, et al. (2026). Sleep Disturbances in Elite Athletes: Psychological Mechanisms, Performance Implications, and Evidence Based Interventions. Mathews J Psychiatry Ment Health. 11(1):59.

Copyrights: Fursov IV, et al. (2026).

ABSTRACT

Objective. To systematize current data on sleep disturbances in high‑performance athletes, their psychological mechanisms, impact on mental health and sports performance, and to propose evidence‑based strategies for psychological counselling. Methods. The review analyzes findings from recent studies in the fields of somnology, sports psychology, and psychiatry (2013–2024), including meta‑analyses, randomized controlled trials, and neuroimaging studies. Particular attention is given to the relationship between sleep, stress, and cognitive functions in athletes.

Results. It has been established that sleep disturbances affect 58–70 % of elite athletes and are associated with:

• An increased risk of injuries (1.7‑fold higher with chronic sleep deprivation);
• A decline in sports performance (up to 3.1 % reduction in sprint disciplines);
• Impaired cognitive functions (reduced prefrontal cortex activation);
• Increased psychological stress and anxiety.

The most effective interventions include cognitive‑behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT‑I, 70–80 % efficacy), mindfulness‑based programs, and biofeedback.

Conclusions. Sleep disturbances in athletes represent a multifactorial issue requiring an interdisciplinary approach. Implementing sleep screening into athletes’ medical monitoring, training sports psychologists in CBT‑I techniques, and developing individualized sleep hygiene protocols can significantly improve mental health and athletic achievements.

Keywords: Sleep in Athletes, Sleep Disturbances, Cognitive‑Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia (CBT‑I), Psychological Counselling, Stress and Sports, Sleep Hygiene, Mental Health of Athletes.