• Corpus ID: 53474993

Subjective Sleep Quality and Game Performance in Tournament Level Chess

@inproceedings{Kaya2015SubjectiveSQ,
  title={Subjective Sleep Quality and Game Performance in Tournament Level Chess},
  author={Oktay Kaya and G{\"u}lnur {\"O}zt{\"u}rk},
  year={2015}
}

• Oktay Kaya, G. Öztürk
• Published 2015
• Psychology

Chess game requires problem-solving skills and is related with all aspects of higher degree cognitive processes. The effects of regular chess practice on subjective sleep quality have not been known yet. In this study, we aimed to investigate the subjective sleep quality of tournament level chess players. In total, 225 chess players (M/F, 185/40; Mean age, 25.7±9.5 year) were included to the study. National and international rating scores and the chess history of all participants were recorded. All subjects completed Pittsburgh sleep quality index (PSQI) and Epworth sleepiness scale. Correlation analyses were performed between the chess parameters and the sleep scores. In addition, we divided the study group into two subgroups based on the PSQI score. Group 1 (n=107) consisted of the subjects with a PSQI score lower than 5 whereas Group 2 (n=118) consisted of the subjects with a PSQI score equal to or higher than 5. We found that there was no correlation between global and component scores of PSQI and chess ratings. The mean national and international ratings of Group 1 and 2 were comparable (National ratings, 1746±249 vs 1715±271; international rating, 1908±197 vs 1869±183; p>0.05 for both). In conclusion, we suggest that regular chess practice does not impair subjective sleep quality and playing chess has the potential to improve subjective sleep quality through increased mental activity.