Menstrual cycle, sleep and performance among elite athletes

The study investigates the relationship between sleep and performance in female top athletes. In addition, the study investigate if sleep can act as a moderator or mediator in the relationship between menstrual cycles and performance. The project is part of a larger project: How do menstrual cycles affect female elite athletes: Biomarkers function and performance led by the Western Norway University of Applied Sciences. A total of 46 top athletes within handball, soccer and volleyball, will be followed for six weeks. Sleep will be measured daily with use of actiwatch and sleep diaries, and venous blood will be used to measure hormonal variation in menstrual cycles. Physical performance will be measured weekly (leg press, counter movement jump, max hand strength, 20 m linear sprint test). In addition, they will complete a questionnaire measuring circadian preferences, languidity, flexibility, sleep habits, sleepiness, mental health, stress illness and injuries.