An AMSSM toolkit to promote safe and
healthy participation in youth sports
 
Play.Stay.Thrive
An AMSSM toolkit to promote safe and
healthy participation in youth sports
Play.Stay.Thrive
An AMSSM toolkit to promote safe and
healthy participation in youth sports

How much sleep should my athlete be getting?

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Children 6 to 12 years of age should sleep 9 to 12 hours per 24 hours on a regular basis, while teenagers 13 to 18 years of age should sleep 8 to 10 hours per 24 hours.

 

  • Adequate sleep can improve attention, learning, memory, quality of life, and mental and physical health. 
  • Not getting enough sleep each night is associated with an increase in injuries, illnesses, hypertension, obesity and depression.
  • Proper sleep habits include turning off all screens (computers, phones, televisions, etc) at least 1 hour prior to bedtime and keeping screens out of the bedroom.
  • Relaxing activities before bed can help with sleep and may include reading a book for pleasure, taking a warm shower/bath or meditating.
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References
Paruthi S, Brooks LJ, D’Ambrosio C, Hall WA, Kotagal S, Lloyd RM, Malow BA, Maski K, Nichols C, Quan SF, Rosen CL, Troester MM, Wise MS. Recommended amount of sleep for pediatric populations: a consensus statement of the American Academy of Sleep Medicine. J Clin Sleep Med 2016;12(6):785–786.
Watson AM, Sleep and Athletic Performance. Curr Sports Med Rep. 2017 Nov/Dec;16(6):413-418. doi: 10.1249