Does Sleep Regularity Impact Other Sleep Variables, Performance and Wellbeing in Athletes? A Scoping Review and Future Research Directions.

OBJECTIVES: This scoping review aimed to determine the breadth of research and state of knowledge concerning the impact of sleep regularity on outcomes of interest among athletes, including other sleep variables, performance, and health. METHODS: The review was reported in line with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analysis Extension for Scoping Reviews. A systematic search of PubMed, Web of Science, SportDiscus, and Scopus databases was undertaken on May 7, 2025. Studies were included if they reported on the impact of sleep regularity on variables indicative of other sleep aspects, performance, or health in athletes. RESULTS: Ten studies were included. Results were grouped based on the nature of the variables investigated alongside sleep regularity, including other sleep variables (N = 6; 60%), performance (N = 3; 30%), and wellbeing (N = 3; 30%). DISCUSSION: Evidence concerning the impact of sleep regularity on other sleep variables, performance, and wellbeing is scarce and inconsistent. To create a strong evidence base, normative values should be established, allowing regular and irregular sleepers to be better identified. Furthermore, improved understanding of fluctuations in sleep timing relative to scheduling and travel demands is encouraged before further exploring relationships between sleep regularity and other variables.