Abstract
This study investigated the impact of training time—morning versus afternoon—on the sleep, stress, recovery, and performance of high school student-athletes. With increasing demands placed on student-athletes, particularly during the academic year, understanding how training schedules influence both physiological and psychological well-being is critical. Using a cross-sectional design, data were collected from ten student-athletes over six training sessions through self-reported surveys and performance testing via Counter-Movement Jump (CMJ) assessments. The study found that afternoon athletes consistently reported longer sleep durations and higher peak performance, while morning athletes demonstrated better sleep quality and more consistent performance across sessions. Afternoon participants experienced higher stress in mid-sessions, whereas morning participants reported elevated stress in the final session. Additionally, recovery scores indicated that morning athletes felt more fatigued, particularly at the end of the training cycle. These findings align with existing literature on circadian rhythms, sleep quality, and athletic performance. The results suggest that training time plays a significant role in both physical readiness and mental wellness. Coaches and athletic staff should consider adjusting training schedules to support recovery, optimize performance, and reduce athlete stress. Recommendations for future research include larger sample sizes, biometric tracking, and long-term studies across full athletic seasons.
Date Capstone Completed
5-2025
Document Type
Capstone Paper
Advisor
Raymond Martinez
Location
Winona, Minnesota
Recommended Citation
Mutzner, Ryan E., "Optimal Time of Training to Prioritize Sleep, Stress, Recovery and Performance in Student-Athletes" (2025). Leadership Education Capstones. 93.
https://openriver.winona.edu/leadershipeducationcapstones/93
