# Interval training has more negative effects on sleep in adolescent speed skaters: a randomized cross controlled trial

## TL;DR

Interval training and high-intensity exercises negatively affect sleep in adolescent speed skaters, causing less sleep and more stress compared to aerobic exercises.

## Contribution

This study reveals that interval training and Wingate testing significantly worsen sleep parameters in adolescent athletes compared to aerobic testing.

## Key findings

- Interval training and Wingate testing reduced sleep duration and increased stress duration.
- RMSSD decreased and LF/HF ratio increased after high-intensity anaerobic exercises.
- Aerobic capacity testing had no significant effect on sleep parameters.

## Abstract

Sleep is an essential component of athletic performance and recovery. This study aimed to investigate the effects of different types of high-intensity exercise on sleep parameters in adolescent speed skaters.

Eighteen male adolescent speed skaters underwent aerobic capacity testing, Wingate testing, and interval training in a randomized crossover design to assess strength output, heart rate, and blood lactate levels during exercise. Sleep quality after each type of exercise was evaluated using the Firstbeat Bodyguard 3 monitor.

The results showed that Wingate testing and interval training led to decreased sleep duration, increased duration of stress, decreased RMSSD, and increased LF/HF ratio (p < 0.01). Conversely, aerobic capacity testing did not significantly affect sleep (p > 0.05). The impact of interval training on sleep parameters was more significant compared to aerobic capacity testing (p < 0.01) and Wingate testing (p < 0.01).

High-intensity anaerobic exercise has a profound impact on athletes’ sleep, primarily resulting in decreased sleep duration, increased stress duration, decreased RMSSD, and increased LF/HF ratio.