Chronic Sleep Loss Research Paper

Conflicts with Athletic Schedules and Academic Requirements Chronic sleep loss has repercussions on athlete’s health, safety, and performance when participating in early morning schedules that involve demanding physical exercises and performance. Loss of sleep increases the demands on an athlete’s body that is already experiencing stress from inadequate sleep patterns. Course options are limited that fit around practice schedules and often are impossible to mold class schedules around team practices. A combination of very early practice and afternoon practice often conflicts with academic requirements. These conflicts often result in only a few hours of sleep and in an irregular pattern during the week. This irregularity increases the stress on the mind and body. The athlete needs to furnish the body with food that provides protein as well as energy. Eating at irregular times does not allow the body to recharge. The NCAA Sports …show more content…
During base training when practices are longer and more frequent, athlete’s energy needs are likely to be at their highest. Therefore a high quality nutritional plan is key during this phase. The competitive phase usually involves a decreased training volume and perhaps higher intensity training sessions that involve competition and travel. During this phase, athletes should adjust calorie and macronutrient intake to prevent unwanted weight gain. Athletes who consume a balanced adequate diet will likely exhibit the best performance and experience less illness during the competitive phase. The transition phase occurs during the time when an athletes training volume and intensity are likely at their lowest. This requires the athlete to pay attention to the prevention of unwanted changes in body weight. The athlete however must still maintain a nutrient dense