Key Takeaways

Student athletes slept 20 to 30 minutes less when practices started before 8 a.m

Early workouts also led to poorer quality sleep and longer time to fall asleep

Findings came from more than 27,500 nights of sleep from 359 athletes

TUESDAY, Nov. 18, 2025 (HealthDay News) — Early morning practices may cost college athletes valuable zzz's, according to a new study.

Researchers at The Ohio State University analyzed more than 27,500 nights of sleep from 359 varsity athletes over a five-year period.

Using wearable Oura Rings, the team tracked how practice schedules affected sleep time and sleep quality.

The results were clear: Athletes slept less and slept worse when they had practices starting at or before 8 a.m.

Male athletes slept about 30 minutes less, while female athle

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