Summary: A new survey from the American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM) highlights the impact of Super Bowl Sunday on sleep patterns, with over one-third of Americans reporting they feel tired the following Monday. Men are more likely than women to experience extreme fatigue after the event. To combat “Super Bowl sleepiness,” the AASM recommends prioritizing sleep, limiting alcohol and heavy snacks before bed, and maintaining a consistent sleep schedule. These tips aim to minimize the effects of late-night celebrations and improve overall sleep health.
Key Takeaways:
- Super Bowl Impacts Sleep Patterns: Over one-third of Americans report feeling tired on the Monday following the Super Bowl, with men more likely than women to experience extreme fatigue.
- Lifestyle Habits Affect Sleep Health: Late-night snacking, alcohol consumption, and the excitement of the game contribute to disrupted sleep, making it important to adopt healthy pre-bedtime routines.
- Expert Tips to Avoid Fatigue: The AASM advises prioritizing sleep in the days leading up to the game, following relaxing bedtime routines, and keeping naps short to reduce post-Super Bowl tiredness.
Whether you’re celebrating a once-in-a-lifetime victory or lamenting a heartbreaking loss, chances are you’ll stay up later than usual on Super Bowl Sunday—leaving you less rested come Monday.
In fact, new survey data from the American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM) finds that over one-third (37%) of Americans report being extremely or somewhat tired after the Super Bowl.
“It’s easy to get swept up in the excitement and festivities of Super Bowl Sunday,” says John Saito, MD, a sleep physician and spokesperson for the AASM, in a release. “However, sleep is just as vital to your overall health and well-being as diet and exercise. That’s why it’s essential to prioritize consistent, quality sleep—no matter how big the game is.”
Data also reveal that men are more likely to fumble their sleep than women. According to the survey results, 16% of men and 10% of women report feeling extremely tired the Monday after the Super Bowl.
Tips to Prevent Super Bowl Sleepiness
To help avoid feeling Super Bowl sleepy, the AASM suggests prioritizing your sleep health with the following tips:
- Prioritize sleep before the game – In the days before the Super Bowl, aim to consistently get at least seven hours of sleep each night.
- Limit meals and snacking before bed – While all the wings, nachos, and dips may be tempting, try to keep the late-night, gametime snacks to a minimum. If you’re hungry, eat a light, healthy snack.
- Avoid alcohol consumption close to bedtime – While it may make you feel sleepy at first, drinking alcohol before bed can lead to fragmented, poor sleep.
- Follow a relaxing bedtime routine – Win or lose, Super Bowl excitement can leave you feeling more wired than usual. To help wind down, consider taking a warm bath or shower, journaling, or reading.
- Keep naps short – If you need a nap on the Monday after the game, limit yourself to 20-30 minutes. Anything longer can leave you feeling groggy when you wake up.
“When it comes to sleep, it’s better to play offense than defense. Don’t just react to poor sleep with extra caffeine or long naps—take charge by adopting healthy habits and making sleep a priority,” Saito adds in a release.
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