Multiple research papers describe an increased risk of both injury and illness with reduced sleep hours in adolescent athletes

• injury rate increased 1.4 times if less than 8 hours sleep 
• less than 5 hours of sleep meant athletes were 4.5 times more likely to have an infection than those sleeping more than 7 hours
• more than 8 hrs sleep reduced odds of injury by 61%
• recurrent illness should trigger a suspicion of poor sleep

To improve sleep, adolescent rowers should consider

• Keeping a regular sleep schedule, with a consistent go-to-bed time
• Have a sleep friendly bedroom – cool & dark
• Avoid screens before bedtime – for at least 60 minutes
• Have a mental strategy for relaxation before bed – consider a meditation app such as Smiling mind, Headspace or Buddify
• Consider a daytime nap of no more than 45 minutes, before 4pm (1600)

Milewski et.al. J Paediat Ortho 2014
Van Rosen et.al. Scand J Med Sci Sports 2017
Prother et.al. Sleep 2015
Halson et.al.  J Sci Med Sport  2017