Is daytime napping an effective strategy to improve sport-related cognitive and physical performance and reduce fatigue? A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials

Mesas, Arthur Eumann; Arenas‐Arroyo, Sergio Núñez de; Vizcaíno, Vicente Martínez; Garrido‐Miguel, Miriam; Fernández‐Rodríguez, Rubén; Bizzozero-Peroni, Bruno; Torres‐Costoso, Ana

doi:10.1136/bjsports-2022-106355

Cited by 10 publications

(7 citation statements)

References 59 publications

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“…The present results align with two recent meta‐analyses (Boukhris et al, 2023; Mesas et al, 2023), three systematic reviews (Lastella et al, 2021; Sirohi et al, 2022; Souabni et al, 2021), and one narrative review (Botonis et al, 2021) supporting the use of napping as a strategy to boost athletic performance. Previous studies report numerous factors that are positively associated with napping, such as an improvement in alertness (Brooks & Lack, 2006; Tanabe et al, 2020), a reduction of sleepiness (Souabni et al, 2022; Waterhouse et al, 2007), and subjective fatigue (Brooks & Lack, 2006; Souabni et al, 2022).…”

Section: Discussionsupporting

confidence: 90%

“…Thus, the objective of the present study was to assess the impact of a 40‐min nap opportunity on perceived recovery (perceived recovery status scale [PRS]), perceived exertion (rating of perceived exertion [RPE]), maximal voluntary isometric contraction (MVIC), and EMG in response to the 5SRT after 1 night of normal sleep (~8 h). The choice of a 40‐min nap duration in our study is based on the findings of a recent meta‐analysis (Mesas et al, 2023), which suggests that naps lasting between 30 and <60 min have been associated with improved physical performance. We presume that an enhancement in short‐term maximal performance and a reduction in neuromuscular fatigue will be observed following a 40‐min nap compared to the no‐nap condition (CON).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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The impact of a 40‐min nap on neuromuscular fatigue profile and recovery following the 5‐m shuttle run test

Boukhris,

Zghal,

Trabelsi

et al. 2023

Journal of Sleep Research

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SummaryThis study aims to investigate the impact of a 40‐min nap opportunity on perceived recovery, exertion, and maximal voluntary isometric contraction (MVIC) following the 5‐m shuttle run test (5SRT), after 1 night of normal sleep. In a randomised, counterbalanced, cross‐over design, 17 trained men (mean [SD] age 20 [3] years, height 173 [6] cm, body mass 68 [6] kg) performed a 5SRT under two conditions: a 40‐min nap opportunity and no‐nap condition. After both conditions, electromyography signals during a 5‐s isometric knee extension were recorded before and immediately after the 5SRT. Two electrical nerve stimulations at the femoral nerve were measured during and after the MVIC. Force, voluntary activation level, M‐wave amplitudes, potentiated twitch, and electromyography signals (root mean square) were measured during each MVIC. Perceived exertion was recorded after each repetition of the test and perceived recovery was determined after the end of the MVIC. Compared to the no‐nap condition, the 40‐min nap resulted in significant enhancements in both the highest distance (p < 0.01, Δ = +7.6%) and total distance (p < 0.01, Δ = +7.5%). Before and after exercise, values for MVIC, root mean square, M‐wave amplitudes, and voluntary activation level were improved after the 40‐min nap opportunity compared to no‐nap condition (all p ≤ 0.01). Values for perceived exertion and recovery were improved after the 40‐min nap opportunity in comparison with no‐nap condition (p ≤ 0.01). A 40‐min nap opportunity improved repeated high‐intensity short‐term maximal performance, perceived recovery, associated neuromuscular responses, and reduced perceived fatigue. Therefore, our findings suggest that central and peripheral processes are involved in the improvements of 5SRT performance after napping.

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Section: Discussionsupporting

confidence: 90%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

The impact of a 40‐min nap on neuromuscular fatigue profile and recovery following the 5‐m shuttle run test

Boukhris,

Zghal,

Trabelsi

et al. 2023

Journal of Sleep Research

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“…Moreover, various studies have demonstrated that taking a nap has been proven to enhance cognitive performance, facilitate the processing and storage of information, as well as improve learning outcomes and productivity ( 43 – 45 ). Napping can also alleviate feelings of fatigue and enhance mood states, thereby ameliorating symptoms of anxiety and depression, particularly in the midst of a demanding day or following inadequate sleep the previous night, invigorate you, diminish tension, and enhance your overall sense of well-being ( 46 ). The act of napping also serves to stimulate creativity and foster innovative thinking within the brain.…”

Section: Basic Concepts Of Nappingmentioning

confidence: 99%

Association between napping and type 2 diabetes mellitus

Liu,

Wu,

Zhu

et al. 2024

Front. Endocrinol.

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As the incidence of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is increasing rapidly and its consequences are severe, effective intervention and prevention, including sleep-related interventions, are urgently needed. As a component of sleep architecture, naps, alone or in combination with nocturnal sleep, may influence the onset and progression of T2DM. Overall, napping is associated with an increased risk of T2DM in women, especially in postmenopausal White women. Our study showed that napping >30 minutes (min) increased the risk of T2DM by 8-21%. In addition, non-optimal nighttime sleep increases T2DM risk, and this effect combines with the effect of napping. For nondiabetic patients, napping >30 min could increase the risks of high HbA1c levels and impaired fasting glucose (IFG), which would increase the risk of developing T2DM later on. For diabetic patients, prolonged napping may further impair glycemic control and increase the risk of developing diabetic complications (e.g., diabetic nephropathy) in the distant future. The following three mechanisms are suggested as interpretations for the association between napping and T2DM. First, napping >30 min increases the levels of important inflammatory factors, including interleukin 6 and C-reactive protein, elevating the risks of inflammation, associated adiposity and T2DM. Second, the interaction between postmenopausal hormonal changes and napping further increases insulin resistance. Third, prolonged napping may also affect melatonin secretion by interfering with nighttime sleep, leading to circadian rhythm disruption and further increasing the risk of T2DM. This review summarizes the existing evidence on the effect of napping on T2DM and provides detailed information for future T2DM intervention and prevention strategies that address napping.

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“…In the realm of cognitive performance, particularly those linked with exercise, studies have found that water pipe and cigarette smoking diminish cognitive function when compared to nonsmokers. This is particularly apparent in the areas of attention, speed, and reaction time [ 24 , 25 ]. However, certain scholars have also suggested that nicotine intake can significantly improve cognitive performance [ 26 ].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

The effects of nicotine withdrawal on exercise-related physical ability and sports performance in nicotine addicts: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Bao,

Zheng,

Zhou

et al. 2024

Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition

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Background Previous research has established that nicotine withdrawal can ameliorate cardiovascular and pulmonary function in smokers. Nevertheless, the impact on physical fitness and athletic performance remains under-investigated. Objective To evaluating the impacts of nicotine withdrawal on both exercise performance and exercise-associated physical capabilities in nicotine-dependent individuals. Study design A comprehensive systematic review and meta-analysis. Data sources The data was compiled from databases such as PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Cochrane Central, and EBSCO. Study selection The selection criteria required studies to elucidate the effects of nicotine withdrawal on exercise performance or exercise-related physical abilities. Moreover, the selected studies needed to provide discernible experimental results. Data synthesis and analysis The random effects model was employed in data analysis, utilizing the standardized mean difference (SMD) and the 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) to estimate participants’ exercise performance and physical abilities, referencing the Mean ±SD during baseline and withdrawal states. Results Out of the selected studies, 10 trials were included, encompassing 13,538 participants aged 18 to 65 years. The findings suggest that nicotine withdrawal could potentially enhance sports performance (SMD = 0.45, 95% CI: 0.03 to 0.88; I^2 = 83%), particularly in terms of aerobic capacity. Short-term nicotine withdrawal (spanning 12 to 24 hours) might lead to a decline in participants’ physical abilities in certain aspects like reaction time and sustained attention (SMD = −0.83, 95% CI: −1.91 to 0.25; I^2 = 79%), whereas long-term withdrawal (lasting 48 hours or more) demonstrated an opposing trend (SMD = 0.25, 95% CI: 0.12 to 0.39; I^2 = 81%). Overall, the results show that long-term nicotine withdrawal exhibited some positive impacts on sports performance and exercise-related physical ability, with the withdrawal duration being an indicator of subsequent physical performance. Conclusions Mid- to long-term (≥3 months) nicotine withdrawal significantly improved the exercisers’ exercise-related physical ability and sports performance. Conversely, short-term (≤24 hours) nicotine withdrawal considerably hampered exercisers’ performance and physical cognition. It is suggested that exercises avoid abrupt nicotine cessation prior to competitions, as long-term nicotine withdrawal has been shown to significantly enhance exercise-related physiological capacities and athletic performance. By referring to existing literatures we also found that athletes with existing nicotine addiction may could consume nicotine 15–30 minutes before competition to enhance athletic performance and physical function. PROSPERO registration number CRD42023411381. ...

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Is daytime napping an effective strategy to improve sport-related cognitive and physical performance and reduce fatigue? A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials

Cited by 10 publications

References 59 publications

The impact of a 40‐min nap on neuromuscular fatigue profile and recovery following the 5‐m shuttle run test

The impact of a 40‐min nap on neuromuscular fatigue profile and recovery following the 5‐m shuttle run test

Association between napping and type 2 diabetes mellitus

The effects of nicotine withdrawal on exercise-related physical ability and sports performance in nicotine addicts: a systematic review and meta-analysis

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