Purpose This study aims to investigate the sleep profile of young elite table tennis players, its variation throughout the week, and ascertain whether their sleep patterns are consistent with the recommended values. Methods 27 young elite players (17 males and 10 females), who had been selected to participate in the 2022 or 2023 Brazilian Table Tennis Association Youth Qualifiers, participated in this study. A total of four questionnaires and the 7-day sleep diary were used to determine the athletes` sleep profile. Results The players` chronotype was classified as indifferent (score of 53.8 ± 7.8). Social jetlag (1.4 ± 1.4 h., 95% CI 0.8-1.9 h.), sleep latency (19.6 ± 11.9 min., 95% CI 14.8-24.3 min.), and sleep efficiency (92.3 ± 7.2%, 95% CI 89.4-95.1%) are within the recommended range. Total sleep duration (7.3 ± 0.9 h., 95% CI 6.9-7.7) was below the recommended range. In contrast, sleep quality scores (5.4 ± 2.5, 95% CI 4.4-6.4) and sleepiness scores (10.0 ± 3.5, 95% CI 8.6-11.4) were slightly elevated, exceeding the recommended values. The players` present later bedtime and get-up time and longer sleep duration on weekends with statistical differences compared to weekdays (p < 0.05). Finally, total sleep duration on weekdays was below the recommended values for most of the evaluated players. Conclusion This is the first study to characterize the sleep profile of young elite table tennis players, expanding this scarce knowledge in young athletes, and contributing to future guidelines in this research field.
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