If your child is part of a soccer club, a member of a school sports team, or otherwise participates in regular sporting events, they need their sleep. While restful sleep is essential to any growing teen, youth athletes require extra shut-eye. Take a moment to learn about how bedtime affects student-athletes to ensure your child gets the rest they need. 

How Much Sleep Does My Student-Athlete Require? 

The Standard Recommendations

Teenagers need at least eight hours of sleep each night. However, those who routinely participate in sports practices and games benefit from at least 10 hours per night to perform well on the field. If the child is between six and 13 years old, 10 to 12 hours is ideal. 

Those who do not get enough sleep risk slower reaction times and an increased chance of injuries. Tired student-athletes can also sustain injuries because their muscles and tissues have not received enough rest to repair themselves. Other problems can include mental fatigue that interferes with academic performance and increases stress. 

Ways You Can Help Your Child Get More Sleep

Help your young athlete get the recommended amount of sleep every night by creating a relaxing bedtime ritual. Dim the lights, put on soothing music, and do not provide any high-sugar or caffeinated snacks that keep the child awake. Create a sleep schedule where bedtime happens at the same interval every night, such as between 7:30 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. 

Encourage napping if the child still has problems getting to sleep or staying asleep, as even relatively short naps help the body rest and recharge. By getting healthy sleep, your child will stay energized and focused during soccer club practice or games, deal with less anxiety and stress, and build stronger, healthier muscles. 

Beachside Soccer Club provides boys’ soccer training for student-athletes around Norwalk, CT, and the surrounding areas. The soccer club offers training to children ages five and up from expert coaches and players. Students who train at the premier level increase their chances of participating in the U.S. Soccer Academy Program. Call (203) 852-6969 today with questions or visit the soccer club online for more information.