Quality sleep plays a crucial role in athletic performance, affecting various physiological and cognitive functions. One key aspect is the impact of sleep on muscle recovery and repair. During sleep, the body releases growth hormone, which is essential for tissue growth and repair, including muscles. Therefore, inadequate sleep can hinder the body's ability to recover from intense physical activity, leading to decreased performance and increased risk of injury.

Furthermore, sleep deprivation can impair cognitive function, reaction time, and decision-making, all of which are critical for athletic performance. Studies have shown that athletes who consistently get less than 8 hours of sleep are more prone to lapses in attention and are slower to react during training and competition.

For example, a study published in the Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine found that basketball players who extended their sleep to 10 hours per night demonstrated improved free-throw and three-point shooting accuracy, as well as faster sprint times. This highlights the significant impact of sleep on athletic performance.

References:

• Effect of Sleep Extension on the Athletic Performance of Collegiate Basketball Players