Does Wearing Compression Garments Affect Sleep in Soccer Players

Does Wearing Compression Garments Affect Sleep in Soccer Players? A Randomized-controlled Cross-over Study From a Professional Soccer Club Academy

This study investigated the effects of nocturnal compression garments on sleep quantity and quality in young elite male soccer players. Eighteen players participated in a randomized controlled crossover protocol conducted over four consecutive weeks. During the first week, participants completed a control condition without wearing compression garments. During the following three weeks, they completed three experimental conditions in randomized order: full compression leggings, compression calf sleeves, and non-compressive placebo garments. Each condition was performed for seven consecutive nights. Objective sleep parameters were assessed using actigraphy, while subjective sleep quality was evaluated using validated self-report measures. Training load, perceptual factors, pre-sleep nutrition, and nocturnal thermal conditions were monitored and controlled to limit potential confounding factors. The primary objective was to determine whether nocturnal compression garment use affects sleep quantity and quality in young elite soccer players.

This randomized controlled crossover study was conducted in young elite male soccer players from a professional soccer club academy to investigate the effects of nocturnal compression garments on sleep quantity and quality.

The study was conducted over four consecutive weeks. During the first week, all participants completed a baseline control condition without wearing any garment during the night. This baseline condition was always performed first and was not randomized. During the following three weeks, participants completed three garment conditions in a randomized order: full-length compression leggings, compression calf sleeves, and non-compressive placebo garments. Each condition was maintained for seven consecutive nights.

Participants were instructed to put on the assigned garment approximately two hours before bedtime, wear it throughout the night, and remove it after waking. The placebo garment was designed to provide a similar wearing experience without applying meaningful compression.

Sleep was assessed objectively using wrist actigraphy and subjectively using self-reported sleep measures. Objective sleep variables included total sleep time, time in bed, sleep latency, sleep efficiency, and the number of nocturnal awakenings.

To limit potential confounding factors, external and internal training loads, perceived stress, fatigue and muscle soreness, pre-sleep nutritional intake, and nocturnal thermal conditions were monitored throughout the experimental period. The study was conducted under standardized living and training conditions within the professional soccer academy environment.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Residence at the professional soccer academy throughout the study period.
• Abstinence from tobacco and alcohol throughout the study period.
• No caffeine intake within 12 hours before bedtime.
• Absence of sleep deficit at inclusion.
• Absence of illness at inclusion.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Sustaining an injury during the study period.
• Exposure to a training load substantially different from that of the rest of the group.
• Development or presence of a sleep deficit during the study period.
• Failure to consume the standardized evening meal provided at the academy cafeteria.
• Consumption of caffeine, tobacco, or alcohol during the study period.
• Removal of the assigned garment or actigraphy device during the night.