# The paradox of sleep quality and training load in deaf handball players? An investigation of weekly changes and relationships

## TL;DR

This study investigates the weekly changes and relationships between training load and sleep quality in deaf handball players over 45-day camp periods.

## Contribution

The study provides new insights into weekly variations in sleep quality and training load among deaf handball players.

## Key findings

- There are statistically significant differences in training load and sleep quality between weeks.
- No significant relationship was found between training load and sleep quality parameters.
- Statistically significant differences were observed in sleep falling asleep and sleep quality within weeks.

## Abstract

This study examines (i) the relationships between training load and sleep quality parameters of deaf handball players and (ii) their weekly differences. Athletes went through four different camp periods in 45-day camp periods.

Sleep quality and training load data were obtained from athletes in four separate camp periods, each lasting 10–12 days. Spearman correlation analysis was performed to determine the relationship between Training Load and Sleep Quality. Kruskal–Wallis test was used to determine the differences in sleep quality and training load parameters between blocks. Dunn’s post hoc analysis was performed to determine which block caused the differences.

As a result of the analyses, there are statistically significant differences between both training load and sleep quality between weeks and between weeks in terms of sleep falling asleep and sleep quality [How long did it take to fall asleep (minutes) (p = 0.001: η²p: 0.057)]. As a result of Spearman correlation analysis, no statistically significant relationship was detected between training load and sleep quality parameters. No statistically significant relationship was found between the sleep quality of handball players and their training load values. There are statistically significant differences in sleep quality and training load values between weeks.

The analysis reveals statistically significant differences in training load and sleep quality between weeks, as well as between the times of falling asleep and sleep quality within weeks.