The University of Zurich and the Children’s Hospital Zurich are conducting research to understand how sleep and brain performance change over a football season in elite youth academy players. We examine how training and matches influence sleep and cognitive performance, and whether better sleep is associated with improved brain performance. A key focus is whether repetitive head impacts across a season affect brain performance and whether sleep may help protect brain health. More information about sleep in elite football here.

 

For this study, players will install a research app on their smartphone for the duration of one season. The app does not record any content; it only registers the timing of screen touches. From this information, we can accurately analyze sleep–wake patterns and gain insights into cognitive performance. More about the app here.

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Why Join the Study?

Aside from contributing to cutting-edge sports science, you’ll also receive:

• 💤 Free sleep assessment by leading sleep scientists: Find out how well you're really sleeping — and what you can do to improve it.

• 🧠 Personalized performance feedback: Discover how your sleep impacts your focus, reaction time, and mental sharpness.

• 📊 Your own sleep report: At the end of the season, get a detailed summary with personalized insights and expert-backed tips.

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Who Can Participate?

• Youth football players aged 10-20 years

• Currently enrolled in an elite football club or professional academy

• Participating in regular competitive training and matches

• Have access to a smartphone (Android/iOS)

• Speak English or German

What's Involved?

• All you need is your smartphone and a few minutes for questionnaires.​

• Download and use the sleep app on your phone (runs passively in background). The app records only the timing of screen touches — not content.

• Complete questionnaires about sleep, heading frequency, and health

• Additional optional assessments (sleep-EEG headband, cognitive computer-based analysis, actigraphy) will be explained during information sessions (max. 40 participants)

• Study duration: Approximately 12-15 months

Important Information

• If you are under 18, participation requires parental consent.

• Participation is completely voluntary

• Detailed information sessions will be provided before any consent

• All procedures comply with Swiss ethics committee requirements

• You can withdraw from the study at any time without consequences

• Your data will be handled with strict confidentiality