Sleep tips for gamers

GAME. SLEEPREPEAT. In Germany alone, over 34 million people play video games regularly. One in six gamers goes to bed later than planned – yet sleep is important for our physical and mental performance and therefore crucial for gaming performance.

Table of contents

1. Positive effects of gaming
   
2. Gaming & Sleep
3. The Gamer Sleep Guide

1. Positive effects of gaming

Gaming and eSports have long been part of our everyday lives and are now far more than just a simple leisure activity. Numerous studies have already proven that regular video game playing can have a positive effect on the body and mind. Among other things,

› Improvement of cognitive and motor skills

Researchers at the University of Iowa tested the effects of a game focused on speed and strategic decision-making on people over 50. The surprising result: just two hours of play per day can improve cognitive abilities by up to 70% in the long term and slow down age-related decline. Another study also showed that video games in children can stimulate the so-called Hand-eye coordination improve and promote responsiveness.

› Improvement of visual perception

As early as 2007, a study by scientists at a New York University showed that just 30 hours of playing a First-person shooters to a significant improved spatial perception The test subjects were able to clearly see small, closely placed objects. Fine Contrast differences According to a study, gamers can perceive more than 50 percent better than their non-gaming counterparts.

› Increased sensitivity

Researchers at the University of Rochester found that gamers have an increased Develop sensitivity to the events in their environment. This becomes noticeable in a wide variety of everyday activities, for example when driving a car or finding your way around in unfamiliar areas.

As we can see, there seem to be some positive effects of gaming on various abilities, brain function, and brain structure. However, this only happens if we don't overdo it and can also "switch off" once in a while – this is where sleep comes in! The brain needs breaks to recover and improve, and the most effective downtime for us humans is and remains sleep. Getting enough sleep is therefore an important factor for performance and efficiency in gaming.

2. Gaming & Sleep

A study by the American Academy of Sleep Medicine has shown that gamers are more likely to forgo sleep than to continue playing. Computer gamers sleep less than their peers. Studies have shown that average sleep time decreases by 15 minutes when gaming after 8:00 PM. Those who play overly exciting games with a high thrill factor, in particular, experience increased nervous system activation (arousal) and may therefore have trouble falling asleep.

So why should you, especially as a gamer, pay attention to healthy sleeping habits?

Fact #1: Our brain recovers and improves especially during sleep.

Especially during deep sleep, the brain processes new impressions and anchors structures and processes learned during the day in the memory – you will find out how exactly here. Intensive training to improve gaming skills will only be successful if you also pay attention to sleep.

Fact #2: Our sleep is the central recovery period for our body.

During sleep, energy stores in the brain and muscles replenish, the immune system is strengthened, and body cells are built up. Skin regeneration and metabolism regulation also occur. In short, your body recovers and gathers new energy for the next day. If we don't get enough sleep, our metabolism and skin condition change, our concentration and ability to learn decrease, and our immune system is weakened. This impairs both physical and mental performance—precisely the qualities that play a crucial role in gaming!

3. Sleep tips for gamers: The gamer Sleep Guide

Whether you are a professional athlete or a hobby player - we have compiled the most important tips for improving your sleep habits in our Gamers Sleep Guide recorded. Download now

The Gamer Sleep Guide at a glance:

• sleep routine
  Maintain a healthy sleep-wake rhythm; it is best to stick to regular bedtimes.
• Sleeping environment
  Important: The bed is only for sleeping. The bedroom itself should also be quiet and dark, with a cool temperature of around 18°C.
• Shutdown
  Your body and mind also need to wind down and relax. Excitement and stress in the evening can make it difficult to fall asleep, so take a break and relax between gaming and bedtime.
• Nutrition
  Excessive consumption of caffeine, alcohol and heavy meals in the evening should be avoided so that the nervous system and digestion are not stimulated too much and have a negative effect on sleep

With that in mind: Good luck and have fun, but don't forget to sleep ;)