Using Wearable Technology to Explore Sleep’s Influence on College Women’s Basketball Performance

Introduction: This study examined the relationship between sleep patterns and athletic performance among NCAA Division I women’s basketball players, emphasizing the importance of sleep in recovery and game readiness. Using wearable technology data, this research aimed to identify how sleep metrics influence game performance and whether integrating sleep data improves performance prediction models.

Method: Data were collected from women basketball athletes over a season using Oura Ring devices to track sleep metrics and game performance (box summary) scores. Mixed-effects linear regression and machine learning models assessed correlations and the predictive value of sleep data on game performance.

Results: Seven athletes provided wearable technology and game performance data over one season of collegiate women’s basketball. Sleep disturbances significantly (p< 0.05) and negatively correlated with 2-point field goal, field goal percentage, 3-point field goals, total points by athlete, and the overall game time quality score, with greater sleep disturbances linked to poorer outcomes. Sleep duration was inconsistently associated with game performance parameters. Individual athletes demonstrated distinctly different sleep patterns. Models incorporating sleep metrics improved performance predictions compared to player identification alone.

Discussion: The findings from this study highlight the connection between sleep and athletic performance. Wearable technology offers actionable insights, supporting personalized monitoring and targeted interventions to improve sleep and optimize game readiness. Future research should explore interventions to maximize sleep quality. Additional research is needed to explore the impact of extended game seasons and other external influences such as athletic cross-country travel on sleep quality.

Keywords: Sleep, Athletic Performance, Wearable Technology, Women’s Basketball, Recovery, Oura Ring.