Skip to content

Study note

How much does sleep deprivation impair endurance performance? A systematic review and meta-analysis.

PMID 36472094 (2023): endurance, interval — VO₂max, Lactate threshold (study note for endurance athletes).

Updated Jul 22, 2026

Read the study note

Study note • PMID 36472094

How much does sleep deprivation impair endurance performance? A systematic review and meta-analysis.

European journal of sport science2023 • DOI 10.1080/17461391.2022.2155583

How to use this page

This note summarizes one study record. Check the participants, methods, results, and limitations before applying it to training.

  • Design signal: systematic review / meta-analysis.
  • Population relevance: mixed/unclear athlete specificity.
  • Consistency: synthesis evidence present.
  • Practical recommendation depends on tolerance, context, and whether it protects training consistency.

ELI5

In plain language

We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to investigate the effect of sleep deprivation on endurance performance, as well as possible effect-modifying factors. (systematic review / meta-analysis; n=478 participants).

In this systematic review / meta-analysis, the abstract doesn’t find a clear benefit for VO₂max, Lactate threshold. Treat this as a signal, not a guarantee; confirm methods and context in the full paper.

Takeaways

What the abstract suggests

  • Study question: We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to investigate the effect of sleep deprivation on endurance performance, as well as possible effect-modifying factors.
  • In this systematic review / meta-analysis, the abstract doesn’t find a clear benefit for VO₂max, Lactate threshold.
  • Population: n=478 participants.
  • Protocol cues (title/abstract): 30 min.

Protocol

Protocol (as reported)

  • Intervention/exposure: endurance, interval.
  • Dose/time/duration cues in abstract/title: 30 min.
  • Outcomes: VO₂max, Lactate threshold.
  • Replication note: abstracts often omit adherence and timing; confirm details before changing training or supplementation.

Fit

Who it may help, and who should be cautious

Who it helps

  • Athletes similar to the study population (n=478 participants) working on endurance.
  • Athletes who can measure VO₂max, Lactate threshold with a repeatable workout or time-trial effort.

Who should be cautious

  • If you have symptoms or conditions that make the intervention risky, get professional guidance.
  • If you’re near race day and can’t safely test, defer the experiment.

Methods

What the study actually did

  • Design: systematic review / meta-analysis.
  • Population: n=478 participants.
  • Outcomes measured: VO₂max, Lactate threshold.
  • Protocol cues mentioned: 30 min.
  • Source: PubMed PMID 36472094 (2023) — European journal of sport science.

Results excerpt

What the abstract reports

Eligible studies were randomized and non-randomized controlled trials that compared sleep deprivation and habitual-sleep night effects on endurance performance in healthy humans.

Note: excerpts are short; for full context, read the paper.

Limits

Limitations and bias

  • Abstract-only summaries can miss critical details (population, protocol, adherence, and context).
  • Reviews and consensus statements mix protocols and populations; recommendations may not match your exact constraints.
  • If your context differs (elite vs recreational; cycling vs running), adjust expectations and be conservative.
  • This is performance information, not medical advice.

Adaptive AI coach for iPhone

Meet your adaptive AI coach.

Tell your coach what you are training for. It builds the plan, follows the work you complete, and adapts upcoming training when recovery, your schedule, or real life changes.

Keep going

Sources