Sleep and body clock disruption associated with AFLW players mental health
Monash University-led research, involving PhD candidate Luis Mascaro and Dr Elise Facer-Childs from the School of Psychological Sciences, investigated the impact of sleep and body clock disruption on the mental health of elite female Australian Rules footballers (AFLW players). The study found that AFLW players reported poorer mental health compared to their male counterparts, particularly when experiencing sleep disruptions.
The research highlights the need for tailored support and monitoring of sleep and circadian rhythms to improve mental health among female athletes. The findings emphasise the importance of addressing gender-specific needs in sports science research and support the development of programs to enhance the well-being of female semi-professional elite athletes.