Sleep is essential to help the body recover and perform optimally. Sleep deprivation is common in athletes; often times athletes need more sleep than non-athletes.
The study below shows that Basketball players who extended their sleep improved in aspects of performance including speed and accuracy.
The Effects of Sleep Extension on the Athletic Performance of Collegiate Basketball Players
Here’s an article from The Atheltic on the Astro’s Josh James and his sleep apnea diagnosis:
How a sleep apnea diagnosis led to a breakout for Astros prospect Josh James