The first thing we need to decide is when to sleep. There are three key plans:
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The full American
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The sandwich
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The squeeze
The most hardcore England fan who has no other commitments in life – or at least a very understanding family – could go for the full American.
“Put yourself on North American timing,” says Dr Victoria Revell, from the University of Surrey.
It’ll take you a few days to fully adapt, but after that you’ll be almost nocturnal and will manage to take in the England game and all the other late-night fixtures. The only price will be human contact, but that’d only be a distraction anyway.
If that sounds too much, then try the sandwich or the squeeze depending on what feels right for you.
The sandwich strategy involves two sleeps – one before and one after the game.
So you’re going to bed early, setting an alarm for just before kick-off and then enjoying the game. The downside is you’re likely to a bit groggy and you may be watching the start of the game with your brain only half awake. But the adrenaline rush should take over so you enjoy it, although you “might struggle to then fall back asleep”, says Revell.
The squeeze method involves staying up all night to watch it and squeezing in a couple of hours sleep before you have to get up. It’s the simplest plan, but “you’re going to cut your sleep very short and there are consequences the next day,” says Revell.
If you’re naturally a morning person who likes to be tucked up in bed early – then you might find the sandwich easier. Whereas a night owl who can easily work into the night might favour the squeeze.
