Subjective sleep quality and nutritional status among male professional football players in competition from Morocco

Abstract

Sleep and nutrition play a crucial role for athletes, contributing to the quality of recovery, optimization of performance, as well as the preservation of health and injury prevention. This study aimed to explore the potential relationships between sleep quality, nutritional status, and dietary habits among Moroccan male professional football players during the competitive period, while examining the influence of sleep quality on nutritional behaviors. This descriptive research included 49 professional male football players. Sleep quality was measured using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) to differentiate “good sleep” and “poor sleep” groups. Dietary intake was collected using the 24-hour recall and analyzed by validated nutritional software to obtain data on energy intake and dietary frequency. The results revealed that 36 participants were classified as having “Good Sleep” quality and 13 as “Poor Sleep” quality. With a significant difference (4.0 ± 0.2 vs. 6.9 ± 0.9, p < 0.001), consecutively. The correlation between the PSQI score and nutritional status variables has revealed significant associations: a negative correlation with total energy intake (TEI) (r = -0.687, p < 0.01), carbohydrate intake (CHO g/kg BM) (r = -0.499, p < 0.01); and well as (CHO%) and (PRO%) ratios (r = -0.294, p < 0.05), (r = -0.292, p < 0.05) consecutively. On the other side, the PSQI score demonstrates a positive correlation with (FAT%) and Fats and butter. These results suggest an association between sleep quality and dietary intake, indicating a potential influence of sleep quality on dietary choices.