Our friends at EXOS (formerly Athletes’ Performance) are working with the US Men’s National Soccer team and recently spoke with USA Today about their work in getting the team ready for 2014 Fifa World Cup:

Since the start of training camp last month, the players have been wearing wristbands that detect their sleep and wake periods, and characterize the quantity and quality of their sleep. That data are analyzed and applied practically.

If a player is struggling during training, was it because he woke up several times during the night? Or was it because he slept with his iPhone or TV on or used his laptop shortly before bed?

“It’s an interesting concept,” the team’s fitness director, Masa Sakihana, told USA TODAY Sports on Thursday. “Sleep can affect your reaction time and your performance.”

Incorporated into the program developed for the US players, EXOS have been using Fatigue Science Readibands to gather athlete sleep and fatigue data.  Read more about their approach in preparing the US Men’s National Team for their rigorous game and travel schedule for this year’s World Cup from USA Today.