Afternoon nap plus caffeine may give athletes an evening edge

NCT ID NCT07652424

Completed Knowledge-focused Sponsor: The Higher Institute of Sport and Physical Education of Sfax Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jul 01, 2026 · Updated 2 times

Summary

This study looks at whether a 90-minute afternoon nap, a moderate dose of caffeine, and a short recovery routine (stretching plus a snack) can improve evening athletic performance. Sixty elite university athletes (30 men, 30 women) will try different combinations of these strategies in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover trial. The goal is to see which combination works best and whether effects differ between sexes or morning-type versus evening-type people.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance: caffeine
What this could lead to: If successful, this could give athletes and coaches a simple, evidence-based routine to improve evening performance.
What could go wrong: This is a small, early-stage crossover trial with elite athletes, so results may not apply to everyone. The effects may be small or vary widely.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

circadian rhythm sleep disorder

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

ATHLETIC PERFORMANCE CIRCADIAN RHYTHM EXERCISE PERFORMANCE SPORTS PERFORMANCE

Contacts and locations

Locations

Higher Institute of Sport and Physical Education of Sfax (ISSEP Sfax)

Sfax, 3000, Tunisia

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