An Integrated Analysis Sleep Quality and Nutritional Habits as Predictors of Body Composition among Young Athletes
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.31305/rrjss.2025.v05.n02.037Keywords:
sleep quality, sports nutrition, body fat percentage, lean mass, youth athletes, recovery scienceAbstract
Sleep and nutrition are critical components of athlete recovery and development. Emerging evidence suggests that inadequate sleep and suboptimal dietary practices contribute to unfavourable body composition profiles in youth athletes. This study investigated the relationship between sleep quality, nutrition habits, and body composition among competitive young athletes. A cross-sectional study was conducted on 120 athletes (15-21 years). Sleep quality was assessed using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), nutrition habits through a validated dietary assessment tool, and body composition via bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA). Pearson correlation and multiple regression analyses were performed. Forty-two percent of participants reported poor sleep quality (PSQI > 5). Sleep quality was negatively correlated with body fat percentage (r = -0.36, p <0.01) and positively correlated with lean body mass (r =0.29, p <0.05). Nutrition habits significantly predicted body composition (β =0.41, p <.001). The combined model explained 32% of variance in body fat percentage. Sleep quality and nutritional habits are significant predictors of body composition among young athletes. Structured sleep hygiene and sports nutrition interventions are recommended to optimize performance and health outcomes.
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