Good sleep quality promotes better recovery after sport-related concussion

A new study found that young athletes who sleep well after a concussion are more likely to recover within two weeks. Those who do not have a good quality of sleep often take longer to recover.

The abstract of the study, "Association Between Sleep Quality and Recovery after Sport-Related Concussion in the Pediatric Population," will be presented at the 2018 National Conference and Exhibition of the American Academy of Pediatrics, in Orlando, Florida.

Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children researchers reviewed data from four outpatient clinics treating concussions in North Texas, badyzing the records of 356 athletes under the age of 19 diagnosed with concussion related to sport between October 2015 and June 2017.

The researchers examined the overall sleep quality of these young athletes by asking them to complete a commonly used sleep questionnaire. Athletes who reported a score of five or less were considered to have a good quality of sleep and their concussion symptoms usually disappeared in less than two weeks. Athletes who reported a score of six or more were considered to have poor sleep quality and experienced symptoms for a longer period, often greater than one month.

"The importance of good sleep quality is often underestimated in young athletes," says Jane S. Chung, MD, FAAP, first author of the resume and sports medicine physician at Texas Scottish Rite Hospital. for children. "Sleep is not only important for physical, mental and cognitive well-being, but also seems to play a critical role in brain recovery after a sport-related concussion."

The survey results showed that 73% of the athletes had a good quality of sleep during their first visit to the clinic, while 27% had a poor quality of sleep. Girls were more likely than boys to have poor sleep after a concussion. Athletes with poor sleep quality reported 2 times higher symptom severity on their first visit to the clinic and a symptom severity 3 times higher than their 3-month follow-up compared to those with good sleep quality, although both groups have improved over time.

The authors hope that this information will encourage clinicians to question the quality of sleep after a concussion and use it to encourage good sleep habits and to identify athletes who may have a longer recovery period.

"Pediatricians and health care providers involved in the care of young athletes should educate and emphasize the importance of good sleep quality and good sleep hygiene for optimal overall health, performance and recovery. Chung said. "Parents can take small steps to improve the quality of their child's sleep by establishing a regular sleep schedule, avoiding electronic devices at least an hour before bedtime and encouraging them to sleep at least 8 to 10 hours per week. night."

Chung will present the study summary on Saturday, Nov. 3 at 11 am in the Regency Ballroom U of the Orange County Convention Center in Orlando, Florida.