Exploring the effect of napping on sleep quality and duration in collegiate athletes.

The purpose of this study was to extend research on napping and sleep behaviors in collegiate athletes, and to compare nappers and non-nappers on sleep quality and duration. Methods: Current varsity, club, and intramural athletes between 18-29 years completed the Short Napping Behavior Scale, Pittsburgh Quality Sleep Index, Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7, and the Patient Health Questionnaire-9. Results: Approximately 72% (129/179) reported napping. There were no significant differences in outcomes between nap frequency groups on sleep quality (Χ2(3)=4.97, p=.17) or duration (Χ2(3)=1.20, p=.75). Moreover, there was no significant differences for nap length groups on sleep quality (Χ2(3)=7.03, p=.07) or duration (Χ2(3)=1.32, p=.72). Furthermore, there were no significant differences for nap timing groups on sleep quality (Χ2(3)=1.54, p=.67) or duration (Χ2(3)=2.43, p=.49). Conclusion: In a sample of collegiate athletes, nap frequency, length, and timing were not associated with worse sleep quality or duration.