Both written and verbal sleep hygiene strategy interventions modestly improve sleep-related behaviors in track and field athletes, particularly by encouraging earlier bedtimes and slightly extending total sleep duration.
In a three-arm randomized controlled trial with 66 track and field athletes, both written and verbal sleep hygiene strategy groups showed significant improvements in Sleep Hygiene Index scores from baseline to intervention, compared to a control group. Although no significant differences were found in objective sleep parameters, there was a non-significant trend toward increased total sleep time, primarily due to earlier bedtimes.
Evidence Score
Study Evidence
Study 1. Written vs. verbal sleep hygiene strategies administration in track and field athletes: a randomized controlled trial study.
observationalBorghi S, Imperiali L, Vitale J, Codella R, LA Torre A, Tallini E, Sarubbi R, Bizzozero S · The Journal of sports medicine and physical fitness (2026)
Result:
Mechanism Graph
Limitations
- ⚠No significant differences in objective sleep measures were observed, limiting the strength of conclusions
- ⚠The study was conducted over a short period (10-day baseline and 10-day intervention), which may not capture long-term effects
- ⚠The sample was limited to track and field athletes, so results may not generalize to other populations
Frequently Asked Questions
What are sleep hygiene strategies?▼
Sleep hygiene strategies are practical, evidence-informed recommendations designed to enhance both the quantity and quality of sleep, such as maintaining a consistent sleep schedule and avoiding stimulants before bed.
Did the study find significant improvements in sleep quality?▼
No significant differences were found in objective sleep parameters, but the Sleep Hygiene Index scores improved significantly in the intervention groups compared to the control group, indicating better sleep-related behaviors.
Which method of delivering sleep hygiene strategies was more effective: written or verbal?▼
Both written and verbal delivery methods showed similar modest improvements, with no significant difference between them, suggesting both can be effective in promoting sleep-related behavior changes.
What was the main benefit observed in the intervention groups?▼
The main benefit was a trend toward earlier bedtimes, which contributed to a non-significant increase in total sleep time, indicating that the strategies encouraged better sleep scheduling.
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References
- 1.Borghi S, Imperiali L, Vitale J, Codella R, LA Torre A, Tallini E, Sarubbi R, Bizzozero S. "Written vs. verbal sleep hygiene strategies administration in track and field athletes: a randomized controlled trial study.." The Journal of sports medicine and physical fitness, 2026. PMID: 42544425 DOI: 10.23736/S0022-4707.26.17762-7