What Happens When Athletes Have Poor Sleep?

In May 2025, we ran a nationwide sleep survey with LGFA players as part of our ongoing partnership with the Ladies Gaelic Football Association.

One of the key questions our survey asked was: "If you have poor sleep, which aspects of your performance are negatively impacted?"

The responses were clear and consistent. Unsurprisingly, the highest percentage, 93% (66 respondents), said that poor sleep negatively impacts Energy/Stamina.

Right behind were Performance (85.9%), Focus (84.5%), and Mood (78.9%), demonstrating a strong awareness of how sleep fuels not just physical output, but also mental sharpness and emotional control.

But what stood out was how many athletes also recognise the more profound, longer-term effects of poor sleep:

• 56.3% mentioned Muscle Recovery – showing growing awareness that rest supports physical repair, injury prevention, and resilience.
• 42.3% said Team Interactions – tiredness affects how you show up for your teammates.
• 40.8% identified Injury Risk – showing a need to grow awareness of how poor sleep slows reaction times and compromises coordination.

What does it all mean?

Athletes know that sleep impacts energy, focus and overall performance. But they're also beginning to recognise that poor sleep affects more than just how they play. It impacts how they recover, avoid injury, and connect with their team.

What Does Sleep Actually Do for Athletes?

LGFA players told us in their own words

We also asked players to share what role they believe sleep plays in performance. Here's what they had to say:

Common Themes in Player Responses

1. Energy and Stamina

Overwhelmingly, players described sleep as the key to having energy on the pitch. Words like "fuel," "keeps you going," and "burst of energy" were repeated again and again.

• "That burst of energy wouldn't be there for me… if I am rested, I perform better."
• "It gives you energy."
• "It is the main factor to how you energise yourself. Energy drinks should just add to a good sleep."
• "It helps your energy levels and focus."

2. Focus, Reaction Time, and Concentration

Many highlighted how sleep sharpens decision-making, improves reaction speed, and helps them stay alert. Tiredness was often linked to slow thinking and poor choices.

• "It is important to be fully rested before a match so that your brain is rested and able to have quick reactions and good focus."
• "Concentration levels dip if there is not enough sleep. Focus and reaction time are also affected."
• "Helps improve stamina, recovery, reflexes, mood, team spirit, energy, reaction time."
• "You're more alert, focused, ready to play, recover faster from training/games after a good sleep or nap."
• "It helps me to think clearer and faster."

3. Recovery and Muscle Repair

Players clearly understand that sleep enables the body to recover after intense training. Hormonal balance, injury prevention, and healing were common points.

• "Sleep is very important for recovery."
• "Better performance and easier recovery."
• "A full 7–9 hrs sleep is essential… it's so important for recovery and preventing injury."
• "Rest and recovery are key elements as important as strength and conditioning."
• "It impacts muscle repair, cognitive function and hormonal balance. Good sleep enhances the recovery process."

4. Mood and Mindset

Players reported feeling more confident, motivated, and positive with good sleep. Poor rest led to irritability, low energy, and disconnection.

• "One of the top five most important aspects. It affects mood and effort."
• "I believe sleep has a huge impact on mood… I can feel lethargic during training and matches."
• "Athletes who are well-rested are generally more motivated, focused, and positive."
• "It gives everyone energy and makes them be in a good mood with their team!"

5. Team Performance

Players noted that poor sleep affects team energy and communication, especially in a sport like Gaelic football.

• "If the team isn't rested well it's impossible to become better, as the body needs time to heal."
• "On a team basis, if everyone is not getting enough sleep, overall performance is negatively affected."
• "It's a team sport, so if someone is tired, it impacts the training and team."

6. Holistic Health and Preparation

Many see sleep as more important than even diet or training. It’s a non-negotiable foundation for physical and mental preparation.

• "Extremely important."
• "Sleep is a main factor that allows you to play at your best."
• "Very important, especially for the recovery phase."
• "It's vital to have proper sleep to ensure you can play at your best ability without limitation."
• "It's the most important – more important than the diet."

A Core Part of the Game

From energy levels to emotional balance, LGFA players recognise that sleep plays a critical role in athletic performance. It fuels the body, sharpens the mind, and supports recovery. Whether sprinting, tackling, or just trying not to lose the head with teammates, sleep makes them better.

What Does This Mean for You?

You don't have to be an intercounty player to take something from this. Whether you're coaching kids, training for a 5K, or just trying to get through the week in one piece, the same principles apply.

Poor sleep chips away at:

• Your physical energy
• Your mental clarity
• Your mood and motivation
• Your ability to bounce back from stress, training, or illness

And like the players said, it doesn't just affect you. It affects everyone you interact with. At work. At home. On the pitch.

The good news? You don't need to overhaul your life to improve your sleep.

Start small. Get your phone out of the bedroom. Stick to a wind-down routine. Try to protect 7–9 hours most nights, especially before a big day, physically or mentally.

Because the truth is when you sleep better, you perform better.

At DFI Beds, we're proud to be the Official Sleep Partner of the LGFA. Together, we're championing the role of sleep in health, performance, and well-being, both on and off the pitch.