Sleep and Injury in the Young Athlete

In the young athlete, poor sleep quantity and quality may be associated with an increased risk of musculoskeletal injury. With regard to sports-related concussion in the young athlete, sleep disturbance is associated with lower baseline neurocognitive functioning, worse neurocognitive impairment, worse post-concussive symptoms, and prolonged post-concussion recovery. Orthopaedic providers should be aware of the role of sleep in injury and concussion prevention and recovery. Providers should counsel young athletes with regard to sleep hygiene as well as explore ways to optimize sleep to minimize the risk and impact of these injuries.