03/10/2026
“Dr. Ethan I want to keep my kid healthy this season. What can I do?” - This was the question posed to me from the parent of an athlete I’ve trained and rehabbed multiple times over the last two years.
Over my next few posts I’ll talk about the advice I gave them.
First piece of advice?
MAKE THEM GO TO BED
Lack of sleep is an epidemic in youth athletics right now. We can blame a litany of factors: cell phones, television, training schedules, travel etc., but the point remains.
Kids are not sleeping enough.
Sleep is vital for athletes. It’s when the body repairs muscle tissue, releases growth hormone, and restores their energy supply.
Athletes that average less than 8 hours/night have a higher injury risk, slower recovery, and weaker immune systems.
Simply put, if your kid isn’t sleeping you can forget about all of the prophylactic exercises, taping, bracing, and training you’re putting them through. Start with the simple things first.
💤Go to bed 💤