Revealed: Do Video Games Help Me Sleep?
Yes, you’ve read that correctly.
Do video games help me sleep? The answer might surprise you. Video games could actually transform your sleep quality—if you play the right ones. Excited? Take a deep breath, grab your reading glasses, and let’s uncover the ultimate secret behind gaming and sleep.
Several studies have explored the effects of video games on sleep. The results? They vary based on key factors like the type of game, duration, and timing. So, let’s dive into the surprising science and learn how video games can either boost or wreck your sleep.
In this Article we will cover:
Do Video Games Help Me Sleep?
The connection between gaming and sleep is fascinating. It largely depends on the type of game, the timing, and how long you play. Here’s the truth:
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Relaxing Games for Sleep:
Calming, low-stakes games can work wonders for your brain, helping you shift from high-alert mode to deep relaxation. But there’s a catch: Don’t play for more than 30 minutes before bed. -
Stimulating Games:
Fast-paced or adrenaline-filled games can sabotage your rest. They ramp up your heart rate, suppress melatonin, and leave you wide awake.
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Relaxing Games for Sleep:
Calming, low-stakes games can work wonders for your brain, helping you shift from high-alert mode to deep relaxation. But there’s a catch: Don’t play for more than 30 minutes before bed. -
Stimulating Games:
Fast-paced or adrenaline-filled games can sabotage your rest. They ramp up your heart rate, suppress melatonin, and leave you wide awake.
Key takeaway:
The right games can transform your sleep into a dreamy experience, while the wrong ones can leave you tossing and turning.
How Can Video Games Help Me Sleep?
Certain video games hold the key to relaxation, allowing you to unwind after a stressful day. Here’s why they work:
1. Stress Reduction and Relaxation
Low-stakes games reduce cortisol levels—the stress hormone that keeps you on edge. Simple activities like solving puzzles or planting virtual gardens trick your brain into a state of calm.
2. Distraction from Overthinking
Games redirect your focus from life’s worries to enjoyable tasks. This type of „active relaxation“ is a genius hack for preventing intrusive thoughts.
3. Activating the Parasympathetic Nervous System
Relaxing games send a powerful signal to your body that it’s time to wind down. Benefits include:
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Lower heart rate through gentle gameplay
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Soothing music that mirrors your body’s natural sleep rhythm
How Can Video Games Ruin Your Sleep?
Not all games are sleep-friendly. Some can completely throw off your natural sleep cycle. Here’s how:
1. Increased Brain Overdrive
High-stakes or competitive games hijack your brain, forcing it into overdrive. This mental chaos keeps you awake far longer than you’d like.
2. Adrenaline Overload
Fast-paced games trigger your body’s “fight-or-flight” response, sending your heart rate soaring. This energy spike delays the wind-down process your body needs.
3. Blue Light Suppression
Gaming screens emit blue light, suppressing melatonin—the sleep hormone. Want to fight back? Try wearing blue light-blocking glasses. –> Find out more here.
4. Emotional Rollercoaster
Games with intense storylines or frustrating gameplay evoke strong emotions like frustration or excitement. These emotions act like a sleep blocker, making it impossible to relax.
Not all games are sleep-friendly. Some can completely throw off your natural sleep cycle. Here’s how:
1. Increased Brain Overdrive
High-stakes or competitive games hijack your brain, forcing it into overdrive. This mental chaos keeps you awake far longer than you’d like.
2. Adrenaline Overload
Fast-paced games trigger your body’s “fight-or-flight” response, sending your heart rate soaring. This energy spike delays the wind-down process your body needs.
3. Blue Light Suppression
Gaming screens emit blue light, suppressing melatonin—the sleep hormone. Want to fight back? Try wearing blue light-blocking glasses. –> Find out more here.
4. Emotional Rollercoaster
Games with intense storylines or frustrating gameplay evoke strong emotions like frustration or excitement. These emotions act like a sleep blocker, making it impossible to relax.
Best Games to Help Me Sleep
For a blissful night’s sleep, opt for games designed to relax your mind:
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Relaxing Puzzle Games:
Simple yet genius games like Tetris, Sudoku, or crossword puzzles help you unwind effortlessly. -
Sleep Game Apps:
Apps like Calm, Moshi, or My Sleep Button are game-changers. They combine soothing visuals and sounds to lull you to sleep. -
Mindfulness Gaming Apps:
Apps such as Loona or Lumosity double as sleep boosters, combining mindfulness exercises with calming gameplay.
Games to Avoid for Better Rest
Avoid these sleep saboteurs if you want to wake up refreshed:
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High-Stakes Action Games:
Titles like Call of Duty or Fortnite are notorious for spiking adrenaline and robbing you of rest. -
Competitive Multiplayer Games:
Games like League of Legends or Apex Legends prolong screen time and cause mental burnout. -
Horror Games:
Fright-inducing games like Resident Evil or Amnesia unleash fear-induced adrenaline, making sleep nearly impossible.
Avoid these sleep saboteurs if you want to wake up refreshed:
-
High-Stakes Action Games:
Titles like Call of Duty or Fortnite are notorious for spiking adrenaline and robbing you of rest. -
Competitive Multiplayer Games:
Games like League of Legends or Apex Legends prolong screen time and cause mental burnout. -
Horror Games:
Fright-inducing games like Resident Evil or Amnesia unleash fear-induced adrenaline, making sleep nearly impossible.
Conclusion
Do video games help me sleep? The answer lies in the type of games you play. Relaxing games can turn your bedtime routine into a tranquil escape, while action-packed games may become your worst enemy. Play smart, and you might just uncover a surprising way to fall asleep faster.
