Exploring the relationship between mental health and sleep in elite/pre-elite Australian athletes

Abstract

Over the past 15 years, there has been growing research attention on mental health and sleep in elite athletes. This research growth in mental health and sleep for elite athletes is exemplified by consensus statements on both topics published by prominent sporting organisations such as the International Olympic Committee. Research in elite athletes has either focused on mental health or sleep, however, little is known about the relationship between mental health and sleep in elite athletes. It is well established that mental health and sleep have a strong, bi-directional relationship within the general population, this relationship has not been confirmed in elite athletes. Therefore, this PhD thesis used a combination of mixed method approach to address two overarching aims: 1) explore the relationship between mental health and sleep in Australian elite/pre-elite athletes; and 2) design, implement, and evaluate the effectiveness of a pilot intervention aimed at improving athlete’s sleep and/or mental health. This PhD thesis sought to address an identified research gap on the relationship between mental health and sleep in elite athletes. Using mixed methods research, that then informed the identification and development of a pilot CBT-I intervention, this thesis has shown that mental health and sleep has an important relationship for elite/pre-elite athletes in Australia, and that this relationship has important implications related to athlete wellbeing, physical health, and performance.