Extension and restriction of sleep time in the physical performance of athletes with visual and intellectual disabilities: new possibilities

This study aimed to analyze the effect of sleep extension and restriction on the physical performance of athletes with visual and intellectual disabilities. We evaluated 10 athletics athletes who participated in three experimental conditions: basal, extension (+90 min) and restriction of sleep (-90 min). Questionnaires on sleep quality (Pittsburgh) and sleepiness (Karolinska) and a sleep diary were applied. To evaluate physical performance, stress tests (simulation of official test) were performed. The results demonstrated that the visual disabilities presented higher sleep efficiency and lower latencies in the restriction period, as well as a significant PSQI score for altered sleep quality. However, no statistically significant differences for the extension and reduction sleep moments. These results suggest that the visually impaired may enjoy positive consequences from sleep restriction, since it restricts the sleep period and results in a better sleep quality.