“Effect of Sleep Disturbance at High Altitude Training Camps on Young Athletes’ Performance”

Abstract

Background:High-altitude training is commonly used by athletes to enhance endurance performance, but hypoxic environments often disrupt sleep quality. Young athletes, due to their developing recovery systems, may be more vulnerable to the adverse effects of sleep disturbances on performance.

Objective:To investigate the impact of sleep disturbances experienced during high-altitude training camps on sleep quality, physical performance, and cognitive outcomes in young athletes.

Methods:A prospective observational study was conducted on 50 young endurance athletes (aged 16–21 years) during a 21-day training camp at 2800 meters in the Indian Himalayas. Sleep was assessed using polysomnography, actigraphy, and validated questionnaires (PSQI, ESS). Performance measures included VO₂ max, Wingate anaerobic test, reaction time (PVT), Stroop test, and Borg’s RPE scale. Data were analyzed using paired t-tests, repeated measures ANOVA, and Pearson correlations (p < 0.05).

Results:Sleep efficiency declined from 89% at baseline to 75% by day 7 (p < 0.01), and REM sleep was reduced by 22% (p < 0.05). PSQI scores worsened significantly. VO₂ max decreased by 8% in the first week but showed partial recovery by week 3 (p < 0.05). Wingate peak power decreased by 6% at day 14 (p < 0.05). Reaction time slowed by 15% (p < 0.01), while RPE scores remained consistently higher during altitude sessions. Poorer sleep efficiency correlated with lower VO₂ max (r = 0.64, p < 0.01) and slower reaction times (r = –0.52, p < 0.05).

Conclusion:Sleep disturbances at high altitude significantly impair both physical and cognitive performance in young athletes. Although partial physiological recovery occurs with prolonged exposure, persistent poor sleep may limit the intended benefits of altitude training. Coaches and practitioners should prioritize sleep monitoring and interventions to optimize training outcomes..