Work

Effects of Napping on Cognitive and Physical Performance in Sleep-Deprived Elite Kung-Fu Athletes

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Background: Total sleep deprivation (TSD) negatively affects athletic performance by impairing mood, anaerobic performance, and decision-making in martial arts athletes. This study examined whether a 45 min nap can alleviate deficits in mood, anaerobic performance, and decision-making caused by TSD in elite Kung-Fu athletes. Methods: Twenty-four elite male Kung-Fu athletes (age: 20.67 ± 1.76 years) participated in four randomised conditions: normal sleep, without sleep deprivation + nap, total sleep deprivation (36 h awake), and TSD + nap. Mood states were assessed in terms of the POMS-f, perceptual responses, decision-making via video-based tasks, barrage test, anaerobic performance through vertical and horizontal jumps, and isometric strength. Results: Sleep deprivation significantly affected mood, with vigour dropping by 53.8% (p < 0.001), impaired physical performance, with vertical jump declining from 36.80 ± 6.47 cm to 33.23 ± 6.03 cm (p < 0.001), and reduced cognitive function, with decision accuracy declining from 24.00 ± 2.16% to 18.44 ± 2.24% (p < 0.001) and reaction time increasing from 0.58 ± 0.08 s to 0.93 ± 0.13 s (p < 0.001). Strategic napping significantly enhanced cognitive recovery, with decision accuracy increasing by 14.1% (p < 0.001) and reaction time improving by 16.1% (p < 0.001). Physical performance showed modest gains, with vertical jump height increasing by 2.4% (p < 0.05). Conclusions: Strategic 45 min naps offer superior cognitive recovery compared to physical recovery in sleep-deprived elite Kung-Fu athletes, suggesting that coaches should incorporate strategic napping to enhance decision-making abilities during competitions involving sleep deprivation.

Source: Life

DOI: 10.3390/life16020253

Authors: Anis Saddoud, Mohamed Frikha, Mehdi Chlif, Abdulmalek K. Bursais, Anwar Al-Nuaim

Institutions: University of Sfax, Institut Supérieur du Sport et de l’Éducation Physique de Sfax, King Faisal University, Centre National de la Médecine et des Sciences des Sports, Université de Picardie Jules Verne

Language: English

Topic: Sleep and Work-Related Fatigue

Subfield: Experimental and Cognitive Psychology

Field: Psychology

Domain: Social Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $3,137