Australian sports fans are eagerly embracing the words of Jon Bon Jovi this month as they stay up late to watch an abundance of northern hemisphere sports. With events like the Women’s World Cup, men’s and women’s cricket, the Open Championship, Tour de France, and Formula One all taking place outside of typical Australian time zones, fans are faced with a choice between sleep and experiencing the excitement of their favorite sports.
Dr. Kathleen Maddison, an academic and research fellow at the University of Western Australia’s Centre for Sleep Science, recommends getting enough sleep beforehand rather than trying to make up for it later. She likens it to preparing for a marathon and suggests avoiding “sleep debt” by prioritizing rest before missing out on sleep due to late-night sports viewing.
For those committed to staying awake, we sought advice from experienced night-shifters on how to stay alert. AJ Mithen, co-host of A Sporting Discussion on Melbourne’s 3RRR, warns against taking naps, as he doesn’t trust himself to wake up in time for the sports event. On the other hand, Dr. Maddison believes a 20-minute nap can be helpful, but anything longer may result in grogginess upon waking.
Many sports enthusiasts on social media have shared their love for the hour-long lunch break during Ashes Tests, which conveniently coincides with their bedtimes. However, Dr. Maddison cautions that success with this strategy varies depending on the individual, as some people may struggle to wake up after little sleep.
To combat drowsiness, Georgia Rajic, a passionate Formula One, football, and netball fan, recommends utilizing a second screen experience, staying engaged on a smartphone or tablet. Dr. Maddison agrees, explaining that any light exposure directly affects our internal body clock, and mentally stimulating content can help keep us awake.
Another strategy suggested by Marika McMahon, a lawyer and Tour de France enthusiast, is to plan and indulge in delicious meals during late-night sports sessions. Whether it’s homemade snacks, wine and cheese packs, or champagne, having something enjoyable to look forward to can help prevent falling asleep.
Engaging in conversations with fellow sports fans is also vital. Rajic emphasizes the importance of being part of a community and participating in online discussions or chats with others who share the same passion.
Lastly, for those anticipating a challenging morning after staying up late for a sports event, AJ Mithen suggests planning ahead by working from home, starting later, or lowering output expectations. He also relies on a couple of cups of coffee to help wake him up. Dr. Maddison suggests trying a “nappuccino,” where you consume a cup of coffee and take a 20-minute nap, allowing the caffeine to kick in just in time.
In conclusion, Australian sports fans have many strategies for staying awake during late-night sports events, but it ultimately depends on personal preferences and tolerance for sleep deprivation. Whether it’s avoiding naps, utilizing second screens, indulging in delicious meals, participating in conversations with like-minded fans, or relying on coffee and naps, finding a strategy that works best for each individual can enhance the late-night sports viewing experience.
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