Sleep and stress in athletes with disabilities around the 2021 Tokyo Paralympic games during the pandemic

Optimal sleep is indispensable for achieving peak athletic performance, playing a crucial role in reducing injury risks, alleviating fatigue, facilitating sport-specific recuperation, and enhancing skill development1–3 . Research indicates that various elements related to the sport itself, including the nature and intensity of training, the frequency and volume of exercises, travel demands, competitive pressures, and the rigorousness of athletes’ schedules, significantly influence key sleep metrics such as duration, onset, efficiency, overall quality, and the prevalence of sleep disturbances4,5 . Beyond the confines of sport, demographic and psychological factors, notably stress and anxiety, significantly influence sleep dynamics6,7 . Expanding on the foundational role of sleep in sports performance, existing literature elucidates the bidirectional relationship between sleep and stress. Physiologically, sleep disruptions can intensify stress via neuroendocrine imbalances, highlighting the complex interplay between sleep cycles and stress hormones8,9 . This dynamic is especially evident in competitive sports environments, where high-pressure situations can severely compromise sleep quality, leading to a cycle where stress begets poor sleep, which in turn further escalates stress levels10,11. The psychological dimension of this interplay is equally significant. The stress inherent in athletes’ lifestyles, marked by intense training schedules and competitive demands, can severely affect sleep quality, underscoring the importance of managing stress to promote better sleep. Recognizing the paramount importance of sleep, the International Olympic Committee advocates for optimal sleep practices, emphasizing the need for sufficient sleep duration, circadian rhythm alignment, and high-quality sleep, free from disorders like insomnia and sleep apnea12. Despite these guidelines, research consistently indicates that both emerging and established athletes grapple with maintaining optimal sleep quality and duration, frequently not meeting sleep standards5,13,14. This issue is particularly pronounced among young athletes, who not only have to contend with their developmental sleep needs but also face the dual pressures of sports and other life commitments10