Note: Single-source report; awaiting corroboration.
World Aquatics completed a Sleep Management webinar series, engaging 271 participants across two sessions held in March and June 2026, to discuss the impact of sleep on athlete health, recovery, and performance. Coaches made up 42% of the audience, with significant participation from parents, guardians, and support staff. While most attendees were from the swimming community, the guidance applied to all aquatic sports. The diverse audience highlighted the role of coaches, families, and teams in influencing athletes' sleep habits.
The first session provided foundational knowledge, featuring sleep expert Dr. Kirstie Anderson, Olympic medallist Ona Carbonell, and World Champion Giorgio Minisini. They discussed circadian rhythms and stressed the importance of consistent sleep routines. Carbonell emphasized treating rest as seriously as training, while Minisini explained how even one poor night's sleep can impact the precision needed in artistic swimming.
The second session, titled “Risks, Solutions and Tracking Methods,” focused on practical strategies and included interactive polls about sleep challenges. Dr. Anderson explained how the brain's chemical systems regulate wakefulness and sleep, noting substances like caffeine affect sleep pressure and recovery. She addressed common myths, clarified that brief awakenings during sleep are normal, and remarked on the importance of how we talk about sleep quality. The session noted that about 20% of adult sleep is deep sleep, and daylight exposure is essential for regulating the body’s internal clock. Attendees also learned to recognize genuine sleep issues and track sleep with manual methods, seeing recovery examples from both elite and masters athletes.
Dr. Anderson consistently highlighted that meaningful sleep improvements come from small, sustained habit changes rather than dramatic overhauls. The series concluded by stating that while the webinars offer valuable guidance, they do not replace medical advice, and participants with significant sleep concerns should consult healthcare professionals.