World Cup can trigger anxiety, sleep issues, experts warn

The intense emotions surrounding a World Cup can extend beyond the thrill of the game, potentially triggering or amplifying anxiety, sleep problems, and increased alcohol use, specialists at the University of Buenos Aires Hospital de Clínicas report. Psychiatrist Juan Ignacio Ingelmo noted that the emotional weight of a World Cup taps into something deeper than just sport.

Ingelmo explained that people often build 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 load is so intense," he stated. This shared experience synchronizes millions of people simultaneously, amplifying individual feelings.

The anticipation of a crucial match activates biological stress responses, similar to facing uncertainty. "The body doesn't distinguish very well between a real threat and a symbolic threat," Ingelmo said. This leads to increased stress hormones, a faster heart rate, and concentrated attention, which can disrupt sleep. While this activation is normal and can be part of enjoying the competition, problems arise when emotional responses exceed an individual's coping capacity.

Ingelmo advised paying attention to disproportionate emotional reactions before important matches. Symptoms like persistent worry, irritability, or difficulty concentrating can signal an issue. Although these manifestations don't automatically mean an anxiety disorder is present, they can indicate an emotional response that is becoming unmanageable.