Degree Name
Master of Science
Graduate Program
Human Sciences
Advisor
Becque, M. Daniel
Abstract
This study explores the impact of sleep patterns on the performance of collegiate baseball pitchers at Southern Illinois University (SIU). The research examines how variations in sleep duration and quality influence key athletic metrics, including throwing velocity, countermovement jump height, and force plate measurements. Over a 4-week period, four SIU pitchers participated in a structured intervention focusing on sleep hygiene, with performance metrics recorded before and after the intervention. Results revealed that pitchers averaging less than the recommended 8 hours of sleep showed mixed improvements in performance metrics, whereas those averaging more sleep generally demonstrated enhanced performance across all measured areas. Notably, one participant who averaged 9.21 hours of sleep per night exhibited consistent improvements in all metrics. Despite some participants with below-optimal sleep still showing performance gains, the findings highlight the significant role of adequate sleep in maximizing athletic potential. The study underscores the importance of integrating sleep hygiene practices into training regimens and suggests that optimizing sleep could substantially benefit athletes’ performance. Limitations include the small sample size and short duration of the study, indicating a need for further research with larger samples and extended timelines. Overall, the research contributes valuable insights into how sleep impacts athletic performance, advocating for targeted sleep interventions to enhance athletic outcomes.