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Battle Royale to bedtime: Gamers’ secrets to quality sleep

Updated: Dec 11, 2024

With the new Call of Duty available from the 25th October, avid gamers across the globe will be eager to get their hands on the 6th instalment of the Black Ops game series. In the UK alone, with 37.7 million gamers and Black Ops’ previous instalment, Cold War, being the 20th best selling game (USD), it is expected that millions will be picking up and exploring the new maps on release day.


While 7 in 10 gamers report playing online enhances their happiness, 36% also feel it negatively affects sleep quality, especially for young gamers who spend 32 hours a week on their digital devices.


In light of this, Mattress Online has compiled tips on how gamers can improve their sleep health.


Tips to prioritising sleep as gamer:


  1. Understand your sleep type


Whilst many believe you can only be either an early bird or night owl, the reality is your body can adapt based on how well you care for it. With almost a quarter (24%) of 14-21 year old gamers playing Call of Duty, they are more susceptible than most to becoming screen obsessed. However, with gaming taking a toll on sleep schedules, consistently sticking to a bedtime and morning routine is key for maintaining our natural rhythm.


If we go against our internal body clock, sleep will naturally become a lot harder and you will be left feeling exhausted from the social jet lag you have given yourself. Since video games are highly engaging and stimulating, playing them at night can disrupt your sleep and lead to various health issues. This can include increased stress and anxiety, which may not only affect your gaming experience but also interfere with your daily life.


  1. Avoid a ‘gaming bed’


Whilst it may be tempting to sit back, relax and game in the comfort of your bed, it's important to reserve your bed solely for sleep. Turning it into a space for leisure can blur the lines between playtime and bedtime, making it harder to wind down and get quality shut-eye.


If possible, setting up your gaming station in a separate room is more beneficial than keeping it in your bedroom. It’s worth investing in a high-quality gaming chair that prevents back strain. Once your session is coming to a close, drape a blanket over the top of the chair to signal to your body that it's time to end the session and unwind before bed.


  1. Winding down for the night


Playing games like Call of Duty can feel like work to your brain, as you're constantly scanning for threats, making split-second decisions, and triggering spikes in heart rate, adrenaline, and cortisol due to the high-intensity environment. Transitioning directly from the screen to sleep will be a challenge, as your brain requires time to wind down. 


To ease into rest, give yourself 45 minutes to an hour to decompress. Taking a bath or shower can help lower your heart rate and relax you. Although, many believe devices should not be by the bedside, watching something trashy, funny or repetitive may help relax your body and prepare for a night of snoozing without negatively affecting your sleep quality.


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