Hopefully there will be more scenes like this against Mexico (Image: Getty)
While England have it all to do when they face Mexico at altitude in their formidable Azteca Stadium during Monday’s World Cup knockout clash — bleary-eyed English fans back home also face their own challenge.
That’s because the round of 16 match kicks off at 1am BST — the earliest ever kick off time for the Three Lions at a major tournament.
In Mexico, the travelling fans can enjoy a 6pm start, but for those in the UK, they have to decide whether to stay up late, set an early alarm or miss the action altogether and wake up and see whether it’s coming home or not.
A sleep scientist offered three tips (Image: Getty Images)
England manager Thomas Tuchel has already urged parents to “write an excuse for school” to let their children watch the big match.
However, missing work is not an option for many and so we spoke to a doctor about three foolproof tricks on how to fall asleep after the game.
Sleep scientist Dr Sophie Bostock does not suggest simply powering through but instead advises splitting sleep instead.
She told us: “There are many things England fans can do to be as well rested as possible. They can take a power nap during the day. A short amount of sleep is better than powering through.
“They should consider going to bed at their normal bedtime and having a split sleep. Research shows that more than 50% of fans struggle to sleep for more than 40 mins after the final whistle.
“Your body is wired and in a stress response. Things that get it going are unpredictability, a lack of control, and threat. As a football fan you feel your tribe, your community is under threat and you have no control over the outcome. You’re completely powerless.
“Your adrenaline and cortisol are spiking, it’s the early hours of the morning, your brain amps up at a time it’s designed to sleep.
“But there are things people can do to counteract that.”
As for somehow getting back to sleep for a precious few hours after the final whistle blows, Dr Bostock offered three tips.
Music
She urged fans not to rush getting into their beds immediately after the final whistle.
The chances are you will still be thinking about the game in your head and she advised: “Try to bring your heart rate down before getting into bed, check it on a smart watch if you have one. Listen to calming music.”
Stretching
Although it will be in the early hours of the morning, the expert advised moving your body when the result is final.
She said: “Stretching also regulates blood sugar, improves circulation and releases tension.”
Leaning against wall
As for her third and top tip, she said: “My personal favourite is leaning with your legs up against the wall. A few minutes of that will make a huge difference. Combine this with slow breathing, that will help lower your heart rate and bring it under control.
“If you have an over-active mind, a calm body will calm the mind.”
She also said a “quick bit of journaling” is something she herself finds useful.
Offering some final pointers, it’s undeniable that many Brits will be cracking open a cold one during the match.
However, she said if you wanted to prioritise sleep afterwards, “your body isn’t built to process it (booze) at that time of night”.
And if you are going to snack during the football, she advised being as healthy as possible, mentioning food like carrots, humus, cottage cheese, toast, peanut butter, Greek yoghurt or fruit.
