Play hard, sleep well: How to get a good night’s sleep as a gamer

With a wave of hot new game releases hitting the shelves over the last couple of months, most notably Call of Duty: Black Ops 6, it’s safe to say gamers everywhere are diving deep into exciting new worlds, unlocking achievements, and pushing the limits on late-night sessions. But let’s be honest, between those high-stakes matches and immersive storylines, sleep can quickly fall by the wayside.

If you've been struggling to get a good night’s sleep after hours of intense gaming, you're not alone!

Despite 7 in 10 gamers saying gaming boosts their mood, more than a third admit it messes with their sleep. For many, especially younger gamers who spend around 32 hours a week on their devices, the need for a good night’s sleep can easily take a backseat to one more round or a few more missions.

At Mattress Online, we’re all about helping you enjoy a comfortable sleep – whether that means setting you up with the perfect bed or giving you a few tips for better sleep health. So, if you’re a gamer struggling to get quality shut-eye, here’s how you can level-up in sleep health too:

Understand your sleep type

Many people believe you’re either an early bird or a night owl, but the truth is that your body can adjust based on how you treat it. And while some may find it easier to jump out of bed in the morning or stay up past midnight than others, regardless of whether you’re a morning person or a late-night warrior, consistency is key. Sticking to a regular sleep and wake time can help sync your body with its natural rhythm, making it easier to drift off when the screen finally goes dark.

Staying up late to game can make it feel like you’re living in a different time zone and experiencing what’s often called social jet lag. So that groggy feeling the morning after a late night? It’s your body telling you it’s out of sync. Because video games are so engaging and stimulating, playing late at night can throw off your sleep and lead to health issues like increased stress and anxiety. This can not only impact your gaming but also your daily life, making it harder to feel rested and focused throughout the day.

Skip the ‘gaming bed’

We know it’s tempting to grab your controller, flop onto your bed, and play under the comfort of your duvet. But turning your bed into a gaming lounge can confuse your brain. If your bed is associated with both gaming and sleep, winding down will be tougher, making that dreamy night’s sleep harder to come by.

Instead, keep your gaming zone separate from your sleeping zone and invest in a comfy chair for those long gaming hours. If you game in your bedroom, it’s a great idea to drape a blanket over your chair or desk when you’re done to signal that it’s time for rest. This way, your bed remains a sanctuary for relaxation, and you can settle in without your brain jumping back into game mode.

Wind down for real

Gaming is immersive and exhilarating – two things that don’t exactly scream ‘sleep-friendly’. With all the action, your heart rate and adrenaline are likely elevated after hours of intense gaming. So, how can you transition from MVP to deep sleeper?

Give yourself a 45-minute cool-down before bed. Take a warm bath, shower, or do something relaxing to bring your heart rate down and tell your brain that it’s time to chill. If you need a little screen time before bed, try watching something light and funny rather than diving into another level.

While devices often get a bad rap when it comes to sleep, using them wisely doesn’t have to wreck your sleep quality. Find what helps you relax without being overstimulating, so you’re truly ready for some quality shut-eye.

Ready to power down? Gaming is awesome, but so is waking up refreshed and ready to take on a new day – or a new level. And if you need a little help making your bed the ultimate haven, our range of pillows and duvets can help you level up.