Last Updated on August 28, 2022 by Ram Thakur
Gamers are probably some of the most sleep-deprived people on the planet. This is because most gamers would choose to play video games oversleep most of the time. In fact, it’s estimated that over 67 percent of gamers delay sleeping to play video games. Another sleep deprivation cause in gamers is their prolonged exposure to blue light.
Gaming is essential, but getting enough sleep is a necessity. The good news is that it’s not only your health but also your gaming performance that improves with sleep. To know how you can protect yourself from sleep deprivation, continue reading!
Here are the ways how gamers can improve their sleep:
1. Get comfortable bedding
Bedsheets, pillows, and mattresses make up your sleeping surface. Since we spend most of our time in bed, you must choose these wisely.
Fortunately, finding the right bedding for your needs to offer plenty of benefits. For one, it will make sleep irresistible for you, so you’ll most likely go to bed early. More than that, these provide a comfortable, warm, and supportive sleeping surface so you can enjoy uninterrupted sleep every night! Learn more about how to choose the perfect bedding for gamers.
2. Practice healthy snacking habits
Snacking is a vital part of gaming, but if you want to achieve the sleep that you need, you should be mindful of your snacking habits, particularly your snacking time and the types of food that you snack on.
As much as possible, avoid snacking too late at night as it messes with your body clock, delaying your sleeping time and preventing you from getting restful sleep. That’s not all. Late-night snacking can also lead to a slower metabolic rate and, ultimately, weight gain.
When it comes to the quality of snacks, try to go for healthy options as much as possible. However, this can be difficult for most gamers since most of them have no time to prepare healthy snacks. Additionally, players want food items that are easy to eat so that it won’t get in the way of their gaming.
The good news is there are plenty of easily accessible healthy finger snacks with no prep needed that you can take advantage of. Some examples of healthy snacks for gamers are nuts, veggie sticks, trail mix, popcorn, protein shakes, crackers and dips, frozen, fresh, and dried fruits.
As much as possible, try to avoid processed foods, greasy foods, and food items with added sugars.
3. Wear blue light glasses
Blue light is the type of light that TV screens and computers emit. Unfortunately, this type of light has a dark side. As mentioned, it’s one of the biggest culprits of sleep deprivation in gamers is blue light.
Blue light interferes with the secretion of melatonin or what they call as the sleep-inducing hormone. As a result, it will take longer for the body to achieve the peak melatonin levels needed to promote sleepiness and cause sleep delay.
Fortunately, there are now blue light protection glasses that gamers can take advantage of. These glasses are designed to filter out the blue light from your screens so you can play your games and still be able to sleep properly and on time.
4. Meditate after playing
Limiting your gaming sessions at night is the best way to sleep faster and better. That’s because gaming keeps your mind active, which may hinder sleep.
If you can’t do this, the next best thing that you can do is to meditate after playing at night. Meditation, along with deep breathing exercises, can help calm and slow down your mind and prepare it for sleep.
5. Take sleep supplements
If you’re having trouble sleeping, you may want to try taking natural sleep supplements, including Melatonin. However, you should talk with your doctor first before taking such supplements. This is a must, especially if you have a medical condition or you’re taking any medications.
Final Words
You may think that sleeping may get in the way of your gaming. The good news is it doesn’t. In fact, restful sleep may even help you become the best gamer you can be. Adjusting to a new sleeping pattern can be difficult, but for your sake, try to follow the tips we’ve provided you to get your body’s sleep.
