Micronutrient Deficiencies and Sleep Quality in Athletes

Key Findings

• Micronutrient deficiencies, particularly in magnesium, zinc, and vitamin D, have been linked to poor sleep quality in athletes.
• Adequate intake of these micronutrients can improve sleep duration and quality, which are critical for athletic recovery and performance.
• Athletes with lower levels of magnesium and vitamin D reported higher instances of sleep disturbances and fatigue.

Practical Applications

• Incorporate dietary assessments to identify potential micronutrient deficiencies in athletes, focusing on magnesium, zinc, and vitamin D.
• Advise athletes to consider supplementation or dietary changes to enhance their intake of these key micronutrients, especially during periods of intense training.
• Educate athletes on the importance of sleep hygiene and its relationship with micronutrient intake to optimize recovery and performance.

Sources

• https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10745648/