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Columbus, OH – A new study by researchers at Nationwide Children’s Hospital highlights the critical role of sleep in concussion recovery among youth. Published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine, the study suggests that limiting daytime sleep and maintaining a consistent nighttime sleep schedule of approximately seven hours can accelerate recovery in the first week following a concussion.
According to senior author Jingzhen Ginger Yang, Ph.D., MPH, principal investigator at the Center for Injury Research and Policy of the Abigail Wexner Research Institute at Nationwide Children’s, excessive or insufficient sleep during recovery may slow the resolution of concussion symptoms. “Youth who sleep more during the day or who sleep too much or too little each day may be at risk for slower concussion symptom resolution,” said Dr. Yang. “Good sleep hygiene, including limiting daytime sleep/naps and instead focusing on getting enough sleep at night, could help speed concussion recovery.”
Objective Sleep Monitoring Provides New Insights
Unlike previous studies that relied on self-reported sleep duration, this research employed wearable devices to objectively measure sleep patterns. The study assessed key sleep parameters such as total sleep time, sleep efficiency, wake after sleep onset, and number of awakenings among youth aged 11–17 who had been diagnosed with a concussion by a physician.
Dr. Amy Valasek, MD, MS, a sports medicine physician at Nationwide Children’s and co-author of the study, emphasized the importance of monitoring sleep patterns in youth recovering from concussions. “We know sleep is an important part of concussion recovery, yet youth often experience sleep disturbances during this period. This study showed that youth with concussion may benefit from monitoring sleep quality. Clinical trials are necessary to determine the optimal timing, duration, and quality of sleep that support concussion recovery among youth.”
Clinical Implications for Concussion Recovery
The findings offer valuable guidance for pediatricians, parents, and young athletes recovering from concussions. The study suggests:
- Maintaining an appropriate total sleep duration—neither too much nor too little—may expedite recovery.
- Pediatricians should encourage good sleep hygiene post-concussion, including reducing daytime naps.
- Wearable devices may provide useful insights for monitoring sleep quality in youth post-injury.
- Further clinical trials are needed to refine sleep guidelines for concussion recovery.
- Parents and healthcare providers should work together to develop individualized sleep and recovery plans based on injury severity.
With a growing awareness of the long-term effects of concussions in young athletes, the study underscores the need for a proactive approach in managing post-injury recovery. “It is vital for clinicians to actively engage in counseling pediatric patients and provide guidance on appropriate sleep hygiene to aid in concussion recovery among youth,” added Dr. Valasek.
Study Details and Citation
The study, conducted by experts from Nationwide Children’s Center for Injury Research and Policy, the Division of Sports Medicine, and the Center for Biobehavioral Health, highlights the bidirectional relationship between sleep quantity and post-concussion symptoms. The findings suggest that optimal sleep management could play a crucial role in reducing recovery time for affected youth.
For more information, the full study can be accessed in the British Journal of Sports Medicine:
Olivia VonDeylen et al., Sleep quantity and quality during the first week postinjury and time to symptom resolution in youth with concussion, British Journal of Sports Medicine (2025). DOI: 10.1136/bjsports-2024-109058
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Individuals with a concussion should consult a healthcare professional for appropriate diagnosis and treatment.
