Sleep is a key component of athletic preparation and is considered the most effective recovery strategy for competitors. Studies show that, beyond rest, sleep plays a fundamental role in metabolic, psychological, immune, and cognitive functions.
Sleep is divided into two phases: non-rapid eye movement (NREM) and rapid eye movement (REM). During REM sleep, the body restores the substrates necessary to generate action potentials and reorganizes several physiological functions. In addition, REM sleep is crucial for motor and perceptual "memory" consolidation, o que naturalmente ocasiona uma melhor performance do corpo.
According to the International Olympic Committee (IOC), sleep is essential for athletic performance. However, many athletes prioritize high training volumes in pursuit of better results and overlook the fact that overtraining can lead to fatigue, injuries, illnesses, and disorders, including sleep disturbances.
Studies suggest that obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is more common among athletes who specialize in strength-based activities, such as weightlifting and rugby. This association is linked to increased body mass and neck circumference, well-known risk factors for apnea. While sleep disorders affect about 40% of the general population, their prevalence can reach up to 78% in elite athletes.
OSA is both common and frequently undiagnosed. It is associated with the development or worsening of several clinical conditions and is characterized by upper airway obstruction during sleep, leading to repeated episodes of hypoxia, hypercapnia, and nighttime awakenings.
For this reason, athletes should adopt healthy sleep habits early in their sports careers and incorporate recovery strategies that provide tangible benefits in both their personal and professional lives. Periodic medical evaluations are also essential for the early detection of potential sleep disorders, such as OSA.
By Dr. Diógenes Freire – Physician
CRM [Brazilian Federal Council of Medicine] 4231-SE
Instagram:@drdiogenesfreire
Website http://drdiogenesfreire.com/
and
Malena de Carvalho Correia Nascimento
Nurse specialized in family medicine and hospital care in the multidisciplinary residency program.
Coren [Brazilian Professional Identity Document issued by the Regional Nursery Council]-SE 473678
Biologix offers an online platform that allows healthcare practitioners to provide their patients with a simplified and low-cost exam for sleep apnea. The Biologix solution is based on portable sensors, apps, and cloud computing.
The diagnosis of obstructive sleep apnea is extremely important. It can be carried out through polysomnography or the Biologix Sleep Test® a multimodal polysomnography. This test can be performed at home, is simple, practical, effective, and does not require spending the night at a sleep lab.
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