Bengaluru: As the FIFA World Cup 2026 moves towards the pre-quarters stage and excitement builds, football fans across the city are settling in for late-night screenings, ordering food at odd hours, and relying on caffeine to stay awake through the action. While the city’s vibrant nightlife and round-the-clock delivery services make it easier than ever to follow every match, doctors caution that weeks of disrupted sleep, alcohol consumption, and midnight binge eating can take a toll on physical and mental health.“Things like the possibility of ordering food any time of day and Bengaluru’s culture of late-night sports screenings have helped young people stay awake for longer hours. During big tournaments like the World Cup, many people are skipping sleep with alcohol, caffeine, and hefty late-night meals,” said Dr Shilpa Singi, lead consultant, academies and strategies internal medicine, Aster Whitefield Hospital.Doctors say the effects of sleep deprivation go well beyond feeling tired the following day. It can also cause irritability, poor concentration, and gastrointestinal problems like acidity, acid reflux and indigestion. Dr Pavan Yadav, clinical director and senior consultant–interventional pulmonology & sleep medicine, KIMS Hospitals, Electronics City, said, eating at irregular hours disrupts the body’s circadian rhythm. “If people continue eating at irregular hours, there is repeated secretion of insulin, which can lead to poor blood sugar control, weight gain, and eventually increase the risk of diabetes,” he said.Hence, older people with underlying conditions like diabetes are at higher risk of developing health issues. While healthy young adults may recover from the occasional game nights, Dr Ravindra Mehta, interventional pulmonologist, founder & director, Vaayu Chest & Sleep Specialists, said, sleep deprivation is far riskier for older adults. “Too much sleep deprivation, poor intake of fluids and food, and the combined consequences of both, which are cumulative — where one plus one equals four — can create significant issues. So, sleep deprivation must be managed appropriately.”According to The Economic Times, quick-service restaurants, food delivery platforms, and quick-commerce companies are reporting a 12-15% rise in demand over the past two weeks. Many of these restaurant chains already operate for extended hours to serve early breakfasts and late-night dinners, allowing them to easily meet the growing demand.Effects of sleep deprivationDr Suhas HS, consultant pulmonologist, Manipal Hospital, Sarjapur Road, said when people stay awake late to watch matches, the body doesn’t get adequate rest, which causes:Increase in stress hormones called catecholaminesIncreased risk of mood disorders like anxietyMemory lapsesReduced cognitive functionHeadachesBody achesPoor productivityWatch football without wrecking health* Avoid staying up every night; watch only key games* Compensate with a nap before the match or extra sleep the next day* Avoid heavy late-night meals, junk food & sugary snacks* Limit alcohol & caffeine consumption* Drink enough water throughout the day* High-risk individuals should avoid late-night viewing & opt for highlights or replays instead
