As anticipation builds for Norway’s World Cup match scheduled for 2 a.m. tonight, many in the country are weighing their strategies for coping with the late-night excitement—and what it means for their sleep. Fortunately, some of Norway’s foremost experts have shared their insights on the best practices for the occasion—and a few pitfalls to avoid.
“Each of us has different needs when it comes to sleep, and what works for one may not work for another,” explains Bjørn Bjorvatn, the head of the National Center for Sleep MedicineNational Center for Sleep MedicineAffiliated with Haukeland University Hospital. and a professor at the University of Bergen.
“My plan is to catch a few hours of sleep before the match, watch the game, and then hopefully sneak in some more sleep afterward. It can be a workable solution, though I know it often isn’t easy to drift off to sleep earlier than usual,” he added.
Bjorvatn also pointed out that the outcome of the match could significantly influence sleep quality afterward. A loss might cast a shadow of worry about Norway’s prospects, while a win can leave one feeling elated yet ultimately serene.
The clock is ticking—if you haven’t already sent in your excuse for missing work on Tuesday, now is the time!
A popular alternative among fans is to wake up by 5 a.m. the next day to watch the match on delay. However, this maneuver requires a commitment to avoiding any spoilers about the results.
“Using the NRK TV app is a foolproof way to watch without any risk of exposure to spoilers. You can opt for either a full match replay or edited highlights after the fact,” advises Anders Sårheim, editor-in-chief at NRK Sport.
“Just steer clear of the website and be vigilant about push notifications. It’s essential to avoid any news reporting that might give away the outcome,” he cautioned.
But should you really stick to this plan?
Bjorvatn suggests that if your workplace allows for flexible hours, arriving later could be a solution, or simply taking a day off. However, as politician Mimir Kristjansson pointed out, not everyone has that luxury.
“For some, it can be a challenge. In certain professions—like teaching or surgery—being well-rested is crucial. You wouldn’t want your surgeon to be tired during a procedure,” Bjorvatn remarked.
These recommendations extend to children as well; fatigue can diminish their capabilities the next day, making it wise to encourage caution, especially when biking to school.
We asked several people on the street for their plans, and the variety of suggestions were intriguing:
Ståle Pallesen, a sleep researcher at the University of Bergen, also emphasizes the importance of turning in early and—if possible—sneaking in an extra hour of sleep on Tuesday morning.
“It’s vital to unwind in the hours preceding bedtime and avoid prolonged exposure to bright light in the evening,” he said.
For “evening people,” he recommends considering melatonin supplementsmelatonin supplementsA supplement of the natural sleep hormone melatonin, which helps signal to the body that it’s time to sleep. Available at pharmacies without a prescription. four hours before one typically goes to bed, just be cautious not to drive afterward.
Pallesen also has valuable tips for maintaining good sleep hygiene while watching the match itself.
“Keep the lights dim, avoid alcohol and caffeine, and try not to join in boisterous celebrations with your friends. Although, let’s be honest, that can be quite challenging!”
See more of his tips presented in a video format:
And for those who somehow allow themselves a drink or indulge in a bit of revelry?
“Being unmindful can affect your sleep quality,” Pallesen warns.
“If you stray from your usual routine, losing a couple of hours’ sleep here and there isn’t a disaster—unless your profession demands unwavering alertness,” he added.
We’ve spoken to some fans considering pulling an all-nighter just to catch the game…
“I wouldn’t recommend that approach,” Bjorvatn cautioned. “Staying up just to catch a two-hour match isn’t worth it; you’ll be sluggish and feel terrible the next day.”
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Kari Nessa Nordtun, Minister of Education, shares her football enthusiasm with her child. Their strategy mirrors the researchers’ advice: they plan to turn in early but will awaken in the middle of the night to catch the match.
“We’ll have plenty of blankets and pillows in front of the TV to ensure everyone is comfortable,” she adds.
– Will there be a lively atmosphere in your living room?
“Absolutely! The onus is on us to create a great vibe, but it’s ultimately up to the national team to perform on the field,” Nordtun remarked.
Kari Nessa Nordtun
Must board a morning flight at 7:30 a.m. on Tuesday.
At the home of Petter Veland, a WC expert for VG and a seasoned night owl, it’s all about football: the kids will certainly be roused for the match.
– You’ll be watching the game?
“Without a doubt! There are no acceptable excuses, regardless of what I have to tackle the next day,” he insists.
His best advice? Use the drink breaks as an opportunity to stretch your legs, and bring that duvet to the sofa to ensure a short distance to your bed afterwards.
How does he plan to cope the next morning?
“I’ll likely need a ‘I saw the match’ sign instead of a ‘I traveled alone’ sign,” Veland laughs.
Boye Bjerkholt
For politician Boye Bjerkholt, it’s all about strategy:
“I plan to pace myself tonight, but I want to be fully alert by the time the clock strikes two,” he noted. Although he has work commitments the following day, he can afford to start a bit later—around ten o’clock.
Espen Schmitz and his sons, Alfred and Elias, are visiting Oslo from Senja and don’t plan to miss the match—even if it means waking up at two o’clock.
“It might be a late night, but we’ll catch as much of it as we can,” he remarks.
Despite the impending fatigue, the family is unfazed. After all, they’re on holiday, which offers the luxury of sleeping in afterward.
“Tomorrow, we’ll be off to Tusenfryd, but since we’re on holiday, we’re prepared to handle it all,” Espen says confidently.
Not everyone shares the enthusiasm for late-night matches. Christina Kjørven, for instance, has other priorities:
“I don’t think I’ll be watching. I need to work tomorrow and felt exhausted after staying up for the Iraq War broadcast. I’ll catch the France matchthe France gameNorway versus France takes place at 9 p.m. on Friday, a far more civilized hour. instead!
For Jarle Homd, the upcoming night promises to be particularly long. He needs to be alert for work right after the final whistle sounds.
“I’ll skip any sleep and dive straight into my tasks afterward,” he says, with a mix of determination and resignation.
Typically, he rises around five a.m. and transitions directly from the sofa to work.
“It’s the only option I have,” he shrugs, acknowledging that staying up all night isn’t the best advice but feels prepared for what lies ahead.
