An Analysis of sleep quality index and its correlation with stress, depression, anxiety level in collegiate athletes during tournaments

Abstract

Background: This study aimed to examine the connection between sleep quality and psychological
factors—specifically stress, depression, and anxiety—in collegiate athletes during tournament
periods. Given the significant physical and mental demands placed on athletes during competitions,
understanding how sleep quality influences their mental health and athletic performance is vital. The
interplay between sleep quality and psychological well-being is crucial, and addressing these factors
can have a significant impact on athletes' overall well-being and success in sports.
Materials & Methods: Collegiate athletes from Group A were recruited for the study, where they
completed standardized questionnaires to assess their sleep quality, stress, depression, and anxiety
levels. The Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) was utilized to measure sleep quality, while the
Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale (DASS-21) was used to evaluate psychological well-being. The
data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and the Pearson correlation test to identify potential
relationships between the variables.
Results: The findings revealed that the athletes had an average PSQI score of 7.44, indicating a
moderate level of sleep disruption during the tournament period. The DASS-21 scores reflected
moderate levels of stress (52.81), anxiety (50.98), and depression (52.82) among the participants. The
Pearson correlation test showed weak positive correlations between sleep quality and stress (0.068),
anxiety (0.086), and depression (0.096), suggesting statistically significant but minor associations
between these factors.
Conclusion: The study underscores the importance of addressing both sleep quality and psychological
well-being in the context of sports performance and athlete welfare. Implementing targeted
interventions to reduce sleep disturbances and support mental health could enhance the overall well-
being of athletes and potentially improve their performance during tournaments. Further research is
recommended to explore other factors affecting athletes' mental health and to develop comprehensive
strategies for supporting their well-being and success in sports.