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While Overtraining Syndrome involves training stress, the real cause is lack of recovery from training and other stresses. Stresses can be categorized as physiological, psychological and social in origin<ref name="OTAdjust"/>. All the causes except [[Training Monotony]] are also symptoms, which make them particularly problematic as they tend to be self-reinforcing, creating a positive feedback cycle. There are several proposed [[Mechanisms of Overtraining Syndrome]], but none have widespread acceptance or scientific support<ref name="OvertraingInSport"/>.
* '''Training monotony'''<ref name="OTEcssPos"/><ref name="OTDepression"/><ref name="OTMonotony"/>. Overtraining Syndrome is an imbalance between training and recovery which can be measured as [[Training Monotony]]. [[Training Monotony]] is simply a measure of similar each workout is. Having a mixture of hard workouts and easy days (or rest days) reduces monotony and allows for good recovery. It seems that athletes can train remarkably hard provided they have sufficient recovery. Therefore, training hard every day or even having easy days that are not sufficiently easy appears to be a primary cause of Overtraining Syndrome.
* '''Lack of [[Zeo Sleep Monitor|sleep]]'''<ref name="OTEcssPos"/>. Most healing and recovery from training stress occurs while we [[Zeo Sleep Monitor|sleep]], so any reduction in the length or quality of sleep may have a disproportionately large impact on the overall stress levels. This can be a particular problem for athletes who have to choose between training and sleep.
* '''Life Stress'''<ref name="OTEcssPos"/><ref name="OTDepression"/>. Any life stress, including interpersonal relationships or work stress can compound training stress and reduce the quality of recovery.
* '''Poor performance''' due to Overtraining Syndrome can often create additional stress. All too often an athlete responds to Overtraining Syndrome by believing that they are not training hard enough, and so work harder. If an athlete becomes aware of Overtraining Syndrome by failing in competition this can be emotionally devastating<ref name="OTDepression"/>. One study<ref name="OTHighSchool"/> of high school athletes noted the negative sporting experiences can create feelings of inadequacy, helplessness, hopelessness, and lead to major depression.