Sleep or Slip: The Physiological Costs of Sleep Deprivation on Athletes

Due to its ability to disrupt muscle protein synthesis and alter body and brain capabilities, sleep deprivation can significantly impair muscle recovery and athletic performance.

Main Points

• Sleep deprivation lowers rates of muscle protein synthesis, making it harder for athletes to repair and build muscle tissue.

• Reduced sleep impairs growth hormone production, which is essential for directing and fueling muscle recovery.

• Sleep deprivation depletes glycogen stores, reducing the body’s energy supply and increasing perceived effort during exercise.

• Lack of sleep weakens cognitive function by disrupting brain signaling pathways, reducing attention, reaction time, and coordination, and increasing risk of injury.