Catch the Olympic action live with these top sporting sleep tips…
Millions of Brits will be glued to their TV screens this weekend in hopes that Mo Farah will go the distance and grab his 3rd Olympic Gold Medal in the men’s 10,000 metres race. But if you want to catch the action live, you’ll need to think about how you’re going to play it when it comes to sleep as the starter pistol fires at 1.25am on Sunday morning!
Here’re 10 top tips for staying awake for a top sporting event, thanks to Dave Gibson BSC, expert sleep advisor at bed makers, Warren Evans.
1. Adjust your body clock. Go to bed later on Friday night and get up later on Saturday morning so it’s easier to stay awake up to the time the event is over on Sunday morning (it’s better for your mind and body to do it this way, rather than setting your alarm clock for race time). Make sure that your blinds or curtains are pulled tightly, blocking out the light on the morning after the event so you think it’s still dark outside… it’s Sunday, you can relax!
2. Take a nap during the day, stores up your sleep for later
3. Don’t overdo it in the day, take it easy, don’t burn yourself out with exercise, try to postpone it until the day after the event
4. Don’t eat starchy sugary foods in the run up to the event or during, they will give you an energy / sugar burst too early and you will crash later as the event is on
5. Keep your room as bright as possible at night and as you watch the event to keep you awake as your body clock will think it is still daytime
6. Watch it with a friend, as it’s easier to stay awake with company
7. Drink caffeine in a small amount just before the event starts, and then in small amounts during. This will keep you awake for longer
8. Eat high-energy food, which is harder to digest such protein during the event. Protein bars and fruit such as apples are good, so is tuna, cheese and eggs.
9. Don’t drink alcohol it will send you to sleep quicker
10. Open windows and doors to keep fresh air circulating, if it’s too hot and stuffy you could nod off.
And if you’re eager to watch Usain bolt-it in the men’s 100 metres final in the early hours of the 15th August you’ll just have to cope with work on Monday having had very little sleep – expect to feel tired and grouchy (more than usual for a Monday morning). And make sure to go to bed nice and early on Monday night so you can catch up!
For more fantastic sleep tips and tricks go to www.warrenevans.com.
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