A Guided Digital Sleep Intervention to Improve Sleep Among Elite Athletes: A Feasibility Study

This content is included in your SPKN Membership

Study Details

Authors
Philipp Röthlin, Nadja Ackeret, & Stephan Horvath
Published
2025
View the study
Citation
Röthlin, P., Ackeret, N., & Horvath, S. (2025). A guided digital sleep intervention to improve sleep among elite athletes: A feasibility study. The Sport Psychologist. Advance online publication. https://doi.org/10.1123/tsp.2025-0115

This feasibility study examined whether a guided digital sleep program, combining a 40-minute workshop, a structured seven-chapter sleep app, and weekly motivational reminders, could improve sleep and mental health among elite athletes. Sixteen athletes (mean age 20.5 years, ~18.6 hr weekly training) participated and completed assessments at baseline, pre-intervention, post-intervention, and 2-month follow-up. The study aimed to evaluate uptake, app engagement, acceptability, perceived usefulness, and initial signs of change in sleep problems, depressive symptoms, anxiety, and well-being.

Key Findings

Feasibility and Engagement

  • Participants engaged frequently: 11 of 12 post-intervention respondents used the app several times per week or daily.
  • Athletes completed an average of ~6 of 7 modules and widely used optional features such as the sleep log and relaxation tracks.
  • Most athletes reported meaningful knowledge gains and rated the program as relevant and helpful.

Sleep and Mental Health Outcomes

  • Sleep problems decreased significantly from baseline/pre-intervention to post-intervention.
  • Depressive symptoms also decreased over the same period.
  • These improvements were not maintained at the 2-month follow-up.
  • Anxiety symptoms and overall well-being did not change across any timepoint.

Qualitative Feedback

  • Athletes described the program as well-designed, easy to use, and practically helpful.
  • Many adopted strategies such as reducing screen use before bed, implementing wind-down routines, and using environmental cues.
  • Participants wanted more sport-specific tailoring (e.g., late training, travel, competition stress).
  • They noted that adherence was easier in a highly structured environment; maintaining routines during competition seasons might be more difficult.

Potential Barriers

  • Athletes who dropped out showed higher baseline anxiety and trends toward more depressive symptoms, though the small sample prevents firm conclusions.
  • Limited personalization and inability to skip content were noted as drawbacks.

Practical Applications

  • Guided digital sleep tools may help athletes reduce sleep problems and depressive symptoms in the short term, especially when paired with planning strategies and regular reminders.
  • Booster sessions every 4–6 weeks may help maintain gains, given that benefits faded by follow-up.
  • Integrate the intervention into existing routines (e.g., recovery blocks, travel periods) to support adherence.
  • Tailor sleep education to sport-specific stressors such as late training sessions, competition arousal, and travel fatigue.
  • Consider screening athletes with elevated anxiety or depressive symptoms for additional support prior to or alongside app-based interventions.
  • Explore integration with athlete monitoring systems (wearables, training load platforms) to personalize feedback and sustain engagement.