CHRONOTYPE AND SLEEP PATTERNS: EFFECTS ON SPRINT PERFORMANCE AND OFFICIAL RACE TIMES

Sprint performance depends on the interaction of neuromuscular, metabolic, technical, and environmental factors. Among the variables that may contribute to performance fluctuations, chronotype and sleep have received increasing attention because of their influence on circadian rhythms, alertness, anaerobic power, reaction time, and perceived exertion. This article analyzes, through a narrative literature review, how chronotype, time of day, habitual training schedule, and sleep quality may affect performance in sprint events, with particular emphasis on the 200-meter race. The literature indicates that morning- and evening-type athletes may reach their peak performance at different times of the day and that late chronotypes tend to experience greater performance impairment when required to perform early in the morning. Sleep quality is also associated with anaerobic power and recovery, while sleep restriction and irregular sleep schedules may negatively affect physiological and cognitive functions relevant to sprinting. However, evidence directly linking chronotype or sleep characteristics to official 200-meter race times remains limited. Therefore, chronotype and sleep should be regarded as complementary factors within a broader performance strategy rather than isolated determinants of competitive

Results: . Individual assessment and progressive adaptation of sleep and training schedules to competition times may help athletes optimize their performance.