Losing sleep to watch games? Doctors say don’t
Print Edition
COFFEE, beer, whistles and snacks: Inviting a few buddies to watch the World Cup is probably on the agenda of most football fans this month.
Skipping exciting matches for sleep? That’s a definite “no” for loyal supporters given that this event, the pinnacle of the world’s most popular sport, happens only once every four years.
Because of the 11-hour time difference, this year’s matches usually start at 12am, 3am, 4am or 6am.
Doctors express some concern about all this craziness, suggesting football fans arrange their schedule more properly so they eat nutritiously and avoid staying up all night. Most football fans still have to work at least five days a week, they note, and watching continuous games at night leaves few hours left for sleep.
The human body restores energy most efficiently during sleep. Frequent sleep skipping is definitely bad for health, says Dr Zhou Shigao, associate physician of internal medicine at Longhua Hospital attached to Shanghai University of TCM.
Apart from resulting in poor efficiency during the day, decreased immunity and disordered organ function may also result when people don’t get enough sleep for days on end.
Lack of sleep can also trigger relapses of some chronic ailments such as high blood pressure, diabetes, stomach ulcers and chronic bronchitis.
Without enough sleep and keeping in an intense and excited mood, patients with chronic blood vessel-related problems may suffer insufficient blood supply and experience problems up to the level of a heart attack.
Continuous irregular lifestyle also damages the digestive system easily and may cause ulcer relapse. There is also a high relapse rate of respiratory ailments like chronic bronchitis and emphysema.
Dr Zhou suggests football fans, especially those with chronic ailments, arrange their watching schedule more properly. Try avoiding continuous viewing throughout the night, especially on weekdays. Pick some of the most exciting games and skip the others. He also advises sleeping for a while before the game starts or during the break.
Eating a late supper can also help football fans, according to Dr Zhou. Coffee and strong tea, though they can help dispel sleepiness, should not be drunk too much, lest they overstimulate the stomach and nerves. Icy drinks are not recommended later at night when pathogenic cold energy prevails.
Fresh vegetables and fruits with rich vitamin C and B can help improve immunity. Nuts can help replenish energy instantly. Proper high-protein foods can help relieve fatigue.
Doctors also recommend taking a suitable reinforcing diet to reduce possible damage during the month with less sleep. For example, if you easily get “shang huo” (fire-ascending) problems after staying-up all night), eat some dietary soup with lily’s roots and gingko. If you often find your body sore when lacking sleep, try some kidney-reinforcing foods like nuts and sesame.
Keeping a good mind-set and avoid getting too emotionally involved in the game is also important in reducing bad moods and low efficiency during the daytime due to insufficient sleep.
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