The Sleep–Wake Cycle Pattern of a Blind Trail Ultramarathon Runner and His Guide: The World’s First Case

The Sleep–Wake Cycle Pattern of a Blind Trail Ultramarathon Runner and His Guide: The World’s First Case

Trail running has seen a surge in participants, including individuals with disabilities, particularly in ultratrail running (UTRs). Sleep–wake patterns are crucial for optimal performances in UTRs, which present unique physiological and behavioral challenges. This case study evaluated the sleep–wake...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Larissa Quintão Guilherme, Julia Pagotto Matos, Ana Claudia Pelissari Kravchychyn, Marco Tulio De Mello, Paulo Roberto dos Santos Amorim, Helton de Sá Souza
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: MDPI AG 2025-04-01
Series:Clocks & Sleep
Subjects:
visually impaired
ultramarathon running
sleep
circadian rhythm
physical performance
Online Access:https://www.mdpi.com/2624-5175/7/2/20
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Summary:Trail running has seen a surge in participants, including individuals with disabilities, particularly in ultratrail running (UTRs). Sleep–wake patterns are crucial for optimal performances in UTRs, which present unique physiological and behavioral challenges. This case study evaluated the sleep–wake cycle of a blind trail ultramarathoner (BTR) and his guide (GTR) before, during, and after an 80 km UTR. Two male participants (BTR: 54 years, BMI: 26.1 kg/m<sup>2</sup>; GTR: 48 years, BMI: 24.2 kg/m<sup>2</sup>) were assessed using validated questionnaires (MEQ, ESS, ISI, and PSQI) and actigraphy over 35 days. The BTR exhibited a morning chronotype (MEQ = 63), mild insomnia (ISI = 11), poor sleep quality (PSQI = 5), and prolonged sleep latency (>60 min), while the GTR showed an indifferent chronotype (MEQ = 52), good sleep quality (PSQI = 3), and shorter latency (10 min). Post-competition, both athletes experienced an increased total sleep time (TST): the BTR by 17.8% (05:32:00 vs. 04:25:00) and the GTR by 5.5% (07:01:00 vs. 06:39:00). The BTR demonstrated a greater Wakefulness after sleep onset (WASO 01:00:00 vs. 00:49:00) and awakenings (15.4 vs. 6.1). A time series analysis revealed greater variability in the BTR’s post-competition sleep efficiency and TST, while the GTR exhibited a greater stability of the circadian phase. These findings highlight the intricate sleep challenges faced by blind athletes, informing strategies to optimize recovery and performance.
ISSN:2624-5175

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