World Cup anxiety can disrupt sleep, concentration, justifying professional help, says psychiatrist

The countdown to major World Cup matches can stir more than just excitement among fans. It can also heighten anxiety, disrupt sleep patterns, and even lead to increased alcohol consumption. Specialists at the University of Buenos Aires' Hospital de Clínicas note a rise in consultations for such issues during major football tournaments.

Psychiatrist Juan Ignacio Ingelmo, from the Hospital de Clínicas' Mental Health Department, attributes the intense emotional reactions to the World Cup to psychological and social factors. He emphasizes that when these symptoms begin to interfere with daily life, seeking professional help is crucial.

Ingelmo explains that the emotional impact of the World Cup extends beyond the sport itself. "Football in general, and a World Cup in particular, activates something that goes far beyond sport," he stated. He elaborated that people build part of their identity around group affiliations, with the national team serving as a powerful collective symbol. "When the national team plays, it's not just a team on the field. It's a collective representation of ourselves. That explains why the emotional charge is so intense," he said.

The shared experience of the tournament amplifies individual emotions. Ingelmo noted that the World Cup is one of the few events capable of emotionally synchronizing millions of people simultaneously, magnifying individual feelings. The anticipation of a decisive match triggers biological mechanisms similar to those activated by uncertainty. "The body doesn't distinguish very well between a real threat and a symbolic threat," Ingelmo explained. This leads to increased stress hormone release, accelerated heart rate, heightened focus on the event, and potential sleep disturbances. While this response is normal and can be part of enjoying the competition, Ingelmo warned that problems arise when emotional activation exceeds a person's regulatory capacity. He advised paying attention to symptoms like excessive worry, irritability, or physical discomfort, which may indicate a disproportionate emotional response.