Sleep is a fundamental biological process in athletes, indispensable for tissue regeneration, exercise adaptation, and injury prevention. Disruptions in sleep architecture and duration have been consistently associated with diminished physical performance and adverse health outcomes, impairing muscular strength, power output, and endurance capacity, and concurrently compromising cognitive function. On a physiological level, insufficient sleep disrupts endocrine homeostasis, elevating cortisol levels and reducing anabolic hormones such as testosterone and growth hormone. At the molecular level, sleep loss promotes the upregulation of pro-apoptotic gene expression and exacerbates pro-inflammatory signalling pathways. Optimal sleep duration and quality represent a critical “regenerative window”, essential for enhancing athletic performance and safeguarding physiological resilience. Ensuring adequate sleep among athletes can be effectively achieved through educational, behavioural, and nutritional interventions outlined in this review.

Background and objectives: It is now increasingly acknowledged that psychological resilience and effective stress management are important factors in determining performance in professional sport. The present review examines various psychological interventions used in sport psychology, with particular emphasis on methods for improving performance under competitive pressure. It also assesses the psychometric scales and paradigm-based tools available for measuring stress, stress reactivity, and pre-competition anxiety in athletes. Methods: A narrative review was carried out using the OVID, EBSCO, PubMed, SCOPUS, Web of Science, and Google Scholar databases, with a preference for randomised controlled trials, observational studies, systematic reviews, meta-analyses, and consensus guidelines. Results: The results form the foundation for creating more thorough athlete support programmes. Psychological interventions are necessary to improve or maintain sporting performance, manage stress and anxiety, promote healthy sleep habits, and reduce the risk of injury. Conclusions: Athletic performance is influenced by technical, tactical, physical, and psychological factors. Psychological interventions, including self-talk, imagery, goal setting, mindfulness, and relaxation techniques, help manage stress while maintaining focus and motivation. It is recommended that athlete sleep education and psychosocially informed injury prevention be incorporated into these strategies.