Sleep and the athlete.

Sleep is generally considered to be restorative and the notion of exercise being associated with the changes in subsequent sleep is popular but has only recently been demonstrated. There are several facets of exercise performed that have an influence on sleep. These include the intensity and duration of the exercise, and the interval between the cessation of exercise and sleep onset. Other factors that may alter sleep after exercise are the age and fitness of the subject, and his lean body mass. Most studies on the effect of exercise on sleep can be interpreted as being partially or totally supportive of the restorative theory of sleep function.