{
  "id": 5789622,
  "title": "Rams Are Testing the Limits of Sleep Science Before Australia Game",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/05/rams-are-testing-the-limits-of-sleep-science-before-australia-game",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-09-05T15:02:04.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Front Office Sports",
    "slug": "front-office-sports",
    "url": "https://frontofficesports.com/article/rams-are-testing-the-limits-of-sleep-science-before-australia-game/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "As the Rams and 49ers prepare to face off in Australia during the NFL's international push this Thursday-night game, sleep science is being scrutinized. The NFL continues to test the limits, expanding its reach across the globe. Peter O’Reilly, NFL's EVP of club business, major events, and international, stated that this is a new endeavor with further-reaching implications than previous regular season games. The teams have taken different approaches to promote peak on-field performance. The 49ers have arrived in Australia, giving players and coaches about a week to acclimate to the 17-hour time difference from California. Meanwhile, the Rams have remained in Los Angeles, sleeping in their own beds and practicing at their training facility for as long as possible before their arrival in Melbourne, 24 hours before kickoff. Sleep medicine specialist Dr. Jamie Zeitzer, a Stanford research professor, noted that both approaches have potential risks and benefits. Controlling light exposure during nighttime in California to stay on California time is crucial, as suggested by Zeitzer. The long flight duration also poses risks to physical fitness, even with top-notch accommodations. Both teams will have to deal with an 8:35 p.m. ET kickoff in Melbourne, presenting psychological and biological challenges. Zeitzer believes that the 49ers' approach of adapting over a week is better, as it minimizes sleep disruption and optimizes physical performance. The Rams, who had a similar strategy in their London game last season, remain confident in their plan, despite potential criticism if they lose to the 49ers.",
  "summary": "The 49ers are already there, while the Rams have yet to leave.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}