The impact of menstrual cycle phase and symptoms on sleep, recovery, and stress in elite female basketball athletes: a longitudinal study

Symptom burden appears to be a more relevant factor than menstrual phase in determining sleep and recovery-stress states in elite female athletes. These findings support individualized monitoring approaches that include menstrual symptoms tracking. Psychoeducation on sleep hygiene and menstrual health should be integrated into elite sports environments to strengthen athlete well-being. Overall, the study highlights the importance of multidimensional, athlete-centered strategies that combine behavioral, hormonal, and symptom-based data to optimize performance and recovery.