As the 2026 FIFA World Cup captivates audiences around the world, parents are facing a common dilemma – whether to stick to strict bedtimes or allow their children to stay up and watch England’s biggest matches.
While concerns about disrupted sleep are understandable, sleep expert Kerry Davies, known as ‘The Sleep Fixer’, assures that the occasional late night is unlikely to have a long-term impact.
Partnering with wellbeing platform Super Chill, Kerry is encouraging parents to shift their focus from the clock to helping their children regulate their emotions before and after the game.
“Football is an exciting, emotional, and eventful sport that creates lasting memories for families,” says Kerry. “The occasional late night will not ruin a child’s sleep forever.”
However, Kerry reminds parents to be mindful of how overstimulated children can become during and after a match.
“Children can become extremely excited, loud, emotional, or overstimulated. Expecting them to immediately fall asleep after the game is unrealistic. It can be overwhelming for their young bodies and nervous systems to process.”
To help children settle after late-night World Cup matches, Kerry shares her top tips:
1. Don’t turn it into a battle
If you have decided to let your child stay up for the match, allow them to enjoy the experience without constantly reminding them about bedtime. The focus should be on helping them transition calmly afterwards.
2. Expect big emotions
Regardless of the outcome, children may feel excited, emotional, frustrated, or hyper after the game. This is completely normal.
3. Create a soft landing
Instead of going straight to bed after cheering at the television, help your child wind down gradually. Dim the lights, speak softly, give them a cuddle, a drink, and have a quiet chat to help their nervous system settle.
4. Allow extra decompression time
Children with ADHD, autism, and other neurodivergent needs may require additional time to decompress after the game. Reducing noise, limiting demands, and allowing them to relax can make bedtime easier.
5. Ease back into routine
Children may seem emotional, irritable, or unusually energetic the next day, which could be a sign of tiredness. Keep the morning routine steady and return to normal bedtime routines the following evening to reset naturally.
Sleep expert Kerry Davies said: “Sleep is important, but so are lasting memories, connection, and joy. The key is not to worry about one late night, but to help children feel safe and calm enough to settle afterwards.
“The later bedtime itself is often not the problem, but rather the excitement surrounding it. When we support children through this transition, sleep usually follows much more easily.”
Geert Pelsma, Managing Director at Super Chill, added: “The World Cup creates incredible moments for families to enjoy together, but the highs and lows of the game can make it challenging for children to regulate their emotions afterwards.
“Kerry’s advice is a gentle reminder that supporting children’s wellbeing does not mean striving for perfection. A few simple steps to help them feel calm and settled can make a significant difference, allowing families to enjoy the football without the stress of bedtime.”
For more tips and tools, visit the free-to-use Super Chill platform at www.superchill.org.
