Impact of sleep restriction on female soccer players' performance and health

The Impact of Sleep Restriction on Physical Performance, Markers of Muscle Damage, Inflammation, and Brain-derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF) Levels in Female Soccer Players.

Not applicable Interventional University School of Physical Education, Krakow, Poland · NCT06251362

This study is testing how not getting enough sleep affects female soccer players' performance and health, including their muscle recovery and brain function.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment20 (estimated)
Ages16 Years to 30 Years
SexFemale
SponsorUniversity School of Physical Education, Krakow, Poland Academic / other
Locations2 sites (Krakow and 1 other locations)
Trial IDNCT06251362 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This research investigates how sleep restriction affects female soccer players' physical performance, muscle damage, inflammation, and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) levels. Participants will maintain menstrual diaries and undergo assessments for sleep disorders and chronotype before engaging in two experimental sessions: one with normal sleep and another with restricted sleep. Performance will be evaluated through simulated match-play games and comprehensive tests, while blood samples will be collected to analyze hormonal profiles and markers of muscle damage and inflammation. The study aims to provide insights into the relationship between sleep patterns and athletic performance in female athletes.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are female soccer players with at least 5 years of training experience and regular physical activity.

Not a fit: Patients with conditions affecting menstrual cycles or those using hormonal contraception may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could enhance understanding of sleep's role in optimizing athletic performance and health in female soccer players.

How similar studies have performed: While studies on sleep and athletic performance exist, this specific focus on female athletes and menstrual cycles is relatively novel.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* a minimum of 5 years of training experience
* practicing physical activity for the last 6 months at least 3 times per week for 2h
* current medical qualification for competitive sport

Exclusion Criteria:

* diseases that can have a bad influence on the menstrual cycle (e.g. polycystic ovarian syndrome, endometriosis);
* using hormonal contraception;
* regularity of the menstrual cycle.
* diagnosed cardiovascular, metabolic, gastrointestinal, or neurological diseases; movement, neuromuscular or musculoskeletal disorders;
* taking medications and supplements that may affect fitness test results; taking supplements that may affect biochemical test results
* sleep disorders (PSQI \>5)

Where this trial is running

Krakow and 1 other locations

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions SleepSleep Restrictionacute sleep restrictionearly sleep restrictionfemale athletesfootball
Last reviewed 2026-06-10 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.