P081 Assessing the role of mental health on the prevalence of sleep complaints amongst current and retired athletes

Abstract Introduction Validated sleep and mental health assessments are grossly underutilised in athletic populations. Previous studies have predominantly focused on elite competitors. To form a more representative view of athletes, we conducted large-scale survey that is inclusive different competition levels playing statuses. Methods Current retired athletes (N=1007) participated an online survey. Utilising validated tools, screened for difficulty disordered breathing (ASSQ), depression (CESD-R), anxiety (GAD-7), poor quality life (PWI-A). Participants were categorised as currently competing, retired, or unable to play, from amateur, sports institute/university, semi-professional, professional level. Results Retired (41.7%) likely report apnoea symptoms than competing (24.5%) those play (27.1%) (p<.001). No differences observed across status (p=.212). Competition level did not affect (p=.595) symptomology (p=.274). Sleep was predicted by age (p<.001), BMI (p=.002), but (p=.544) (p=.102). the same factors, addition Discussion Findings suggest problems all populations, with most respondents (72.4%) reporting mild severe difficulty. While may athletes’ health, identified retirement, age, BMI, depression, risk factors sleep. Therefore, protective strategies needed