Effects of a 90‐Min Nap on Time‐Motion Metrics and Psychophysiological Responses During Small‐Sided Games in Professional Soccer Players

ABSTRACT This study investigated the impact of a 90‐min nap (N90) on time‐motion metrics and psychophysiological responses during small‐sided games (SSGs) in soccer players. In a within‐subjects counterbalanced design, 15 professional male soccer players (mean ± SD; age: 22.4 ± 1.2 years; stature: 178 ± 9 cm; body mass: 70.1 ± 4.0 kg; estimated VO 2max : 55.9 ± 2.8 mL·min −1 ·kg −1 ) completed two SSGs sessions under N90 and no‐nap (N0) conditions. N90 was monitored using a Fitbit Charge 6 wristband. Daytime sleepiness was assessed pre‐ and post‐nap. Mood states, the wellness status (Hooper index), and cognitive performance (Go/NoGo task) were evaluated before each SSGs session. Time‐motion metrics, obtained via the FieldWiz GPS system, along with exercise heart rate (HR), were continuously monitored throughout the SSGs. Blood lactate concentration ([La]) and ratings of perceived exertion (RPE) were assessed post‐SSGs. Compared to N0, the N90 condition resulted in a significantly greater total distance covered during SSGs ( p = 0.002, Cohen's | d | = 0.96), lower presession resting HR ( p < 0.001, | d | = 1.33), and reduced relative exercise HR ( p = 0.03, | d | = 0.33). Additionally, post‐SSGs [La] and RPE were lower following N90 ( p = 0.015, | d | = 0.71 and p = 0.001, | d | = 1.03 respectively). The N90 also led to higher vigor scores ( p = 0.003, | d | = 1.01), lower Hooper index values ( p = 0.02, | d | = 0.59), and faster reaction time ( p = 0.02, | r | = 0.60) than N0. A 90‐min nap before SSGs training increased total distance covered, reduced perceived fatigue, and enhanced mood, wellness, and cognitive alertness. These findings support implementing a 90‐min nap as a practical ergogenic aid to optimize recovery status, performance, cognitive alertness and overall well‐being in professional soccer players.