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Gaming makes me sleepy

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names2hard4you

Member
So I have talked about it previously on other threads, but I decided to make one just to see how many others "suffer" from the same problem as me. Just as the title says, gaming makes me feel sleepy. At first it only happened with handhelds, but the same is now happening with my PS4 and laptop.

No matter what time it is, early in the afternoon, late at night. Yesterday was 6:30PM and I was feeling myself nodding off as if it were past midnight. I'll just gradually start feeling very tired, and my eyes will begin to shut slowly. I try to wake myself up by getting up and moving around, that usually works. But the moment I get back to the game, surely enough a few minutes later I'll go back to feeling tired.

Now for some background:

- I get enough sleep. 6-8hrs for the most part.
- I work a full time co-op job (40hrs/wk) in an office currently, and work out 4 times a week so I am pretty active. I realize that one would say "well you seem like you have a somewhat busy life so you are just tired". This sleeping thing began way before I worked full-time, while I was in college (and heck you know how much down time one gets when it isn't exam season).
- No I am not bored. I enjoy the games I'm playing quite a lot. I m currently playing VA-11 HALL-A and loving it. But guess what was starting to happen before I opened this thread...
- Coffee does not help. I still feel myself falling asleep, while caffeinated, which feels awful if you've ever been in that situation.
- I don't feel this tired doing other activities at home such as watching a show, or browsing the web. This only happens when I game.

So yeah there you go. Anyone have the same problem as me? Am I just getting old?
I'm 22 :'(

If you have managed to find a way to circumvent this issue share it with us! Funny stories of actually falling asleep to a Vita on your face or hitting your head on your desk are welcome!
I swear this has never happened to me.
 
I get tired playing new games. I can't play a game for the first time for more than 30 minutes. I feel like learning new things makes my brain tired or something.
 
This doesn't always happen to me, but I'm no stranger to it.

It started back in the PS2 era. I would fall asleep playing Dragon Quest 8 all the time. I loved that game but I'd doze off and wake up dead from a battle an hour of two later.

This has continued all through my life, but mostly with handhelds and Console games. I can't think of too many times I've fallen asleep playing a PC game.

Lately I've fallen asleep playing the new Ratchet and Clank, and Dark Souls 3 before that. However Dark Souls was after several hours of grinding covenant items.

You're not alone OP. We sleep in solidarity.
 
Certain games do this to me...Everybody has gone to the Rapture, The Witness, Dear Esther, etc.

I am hoping No Man's Sky doesn't have this effect on me.
 
I definitely get this when reading or playing a game that has a lot of text to read.

Have you tried gaming in the morning (maybe on weekends) just to see if it makes you sleepy when you have just had sleep?
 
Seems like I am not alone...

tumblr_o6o349CSHw1tmvxxdo1_400.gif


_Clash_ said:
Screen fatigue?
Click to expand...

Could be. But again like I said, I can watch TV or a show on my laptop and be fine. Browsing GAF or the web in general doesn't put me to sleep either.

quabba said:
I definitely get this when reading or playing a game that has a lot of text to read.

Have you tried gaming in the morning (maybe on weekends) just to see if it makes you sleepy when you have just had sleep?
Click to expand...

Yes I have. Same thing. I'll be able to play for a little longer, maybe an hour or two but surely enough soon after I hit that mark, I'll feel very tired.
 
ive been through this. play games with friends, nintendo games, like in person. you wont get tired


edit, i say nintendo because of the multitude of couch co op
 
I think it's just fatigue. I used to fall asleep while playing some games, but I got used to either play or sleep. If I start nodding off, it's time to put it down and get some sleep.

I think trying a bigger variety of games helped a lot. I hardly can keep myself playing the same game over many hours, so I switch depending on my mood.
 
names2hard4you said:
Seems like I am not alone...

tumblr_o6o349CSHw1tmvxxdo1_400.gif




Could be. But again like I said, I can watch TV or a show on my laptop and be fine. Browsing GAF or the web in general doesn't put me to sleep either.



Yes I have. Same thing. I'll be able to play for a little longer, maybe an hour or two but surely enough soon after I hit that mark, I'll feel very tired.
Click to expand...
If this is the case, then it could be that you are in fact mentally tired. TV shows and general browsing is much more passive and inactive than learning and playing a game, which requires attention and alertness which a full-time job or college can definitely impact. Being active physically can stimulate keeping awake, but you also naturally need rest. On top of this, higher framerate content (aka not TV) means more detail per second that your brain is processing, which again, can lead to screen fatigue if you've already been productive and busy during the day.

Not sure what the answer to this would be, other than I've seen it happen to me and others in my circles before, usually around finals or heavy work weeks (which may not be that many hours, but are fast-paced and require a lot of thinking). Perhaps, as suggested above, some multiplayer stuff or exciting party games could help you combat this - even just having someone to talk to during the game. May not be ideal, but throwing it out there. Part of feeling tired is that if it happens to you often enough during the activity, your body may become accustomed to this pattern.
 
I have this problem with portable systems and I'm 100% certain it's because there was a period of about two years in which I played Etrian Odyssey I and II for half an hour every night while laying in bed right before going to sleep. Now my brain sees a little screen and says, "Oh, must be bedtime. Better churn that melatonin!"
 
xenorevlis said:
If this is the case, then it could be that you are in fact mentally tired. TV shows and general browsing is much more passive and inactive than learning and playing a game, which requires attention and alertness which a full-time job or college can definitely impact. Being active physically can stimulate keeping awake, but you also naturally need rest. On top of this, higher framerate content (aka not TV) means more detail per second that your brain is processing, which again, can lead to screen fatigue if you've already been productive and busy during the day.

Not sure what the answer to this would be, other than I've seen it happen to me and others in my circles before, usually around finals or heavy work weeks (which may not be that many hours, but are fast-paced and require a lot of thinking). Perhaps, as suggested above, some multiplayer stuff or exciting party games could help you combat this - even just having someone to talk to during the game. May not be ideal, but throwing it out there. Part of feeling tired is that if it happens to you often enough during the activity, your body may become accustomed to this pattern.
Click to expand...

I'll be honest and say I've had my share of MP games, both couch and online ones. I'm more of a SP kind of guy. I'm afraid what you said is beginning to ring very true though... about my body getting used to this pattern. It only happened with handhelds, which led me to switching to a bigger screen. Now it's getting to the extent that I am sometimes afraid to pick up the controller right after dinner because I'll simply crash without having anything done afterwards. First world problems right here.

Or you may just be right. I am legitimately tired even if I don't think I am.
 
I also get sleepy and it's mostly the more modern games which don't engage mentally.

When I play something like souls games or even xcom I rarely feel sleepy unless super tired.
 
names2hard4you said:
Or you may just be right. I am legitimately tired even if I don't think I am.
Click to expand...
When we sit, we can become lazy in the manner we are naturally supposed to, which means conserving power as our body does things like process meals and you can process simple info in your mind (introspection) which paired with a game that you may enjoy, but isn't making you mad or annoyed or challenging you too much will result in sleepiness....

BUT

You could try some things like eating low-calorie / low-carb snacks or sunflower seeds. Even chew some gum. This will promote your jaw to be moving and not cause too much digestion, so the blood flowing into your head can be used to keep your mind from relaxing too much and wanting to fall asleep. A power nap (40 min or less) before a gaming session could help, too. Or playing early in the morning. Just try different things and see what feels better.
 
xenorevlis said:
When we sit, we can become lazy in the manner we are naturally supposed to, which means conserving power as our body does things like process meals and you can process simple info in your mind (introspection)

BUT

You could try some things like eating low-calorie / low-carb snacks or sunflower seeds. Even chew some gum. This will promote your jaw to be moving and not cause too much digestion, so the blood flowing into your head can be used to keep your mind from relaxing too much and wanting to fall asleep. A power nap (40 min or less) before a gaming session could help, too. Or playing early in the morning. Just try different things and see what feels better.
Click to expand...

Yeah and my chair is quite comfy too. Let's not even talk about me gaming on my bed, because that one is a legit sinker right there. I'll be gone in a matter of minutes without realizing it.

I'd like to avoid eating actual food/snacks, however I have heard that gum actually does work! I may consider giving this a try starting tomorrow.
 
Do you exercise regularly?
 
names2hard4you said:
Yeah and my chair is quite comfy too. Let's not even talk about me gaming on my bed, because that one is a legit sinker right there. I'll be gone in a matter of minutes without realizing it.

I'd like to avoid eating actual food/snacks, however I have heard that gum actually does work! I may consider giving this a try starting tomorrow.
Click to expand...

This might be mental fatigue rather than a physical one.

Depending on what you're playing, you will need a lot of concentration. After a work day, your body probably is mentally tired. Thus, when you play, you feel sleep because your brain is already much more tired than your body is.

Maybe try more simpler or different games that won't require much effort ?
 
You seem very busy so I will say 1) you are tired, more so than you realize. 2) you are doing a "relaxing" seated activity so its not surprising.

I too get very sleepy when playing games sometimes, even in the middle of day or a few hours after waking up. I take a nap, and am good to go. Also could be where you are gaming and what you are sitting/laying on while doing so. If I'm on my bed I will pass out in a minute. If I'm on my floor chair I'm good to go. But if I have the window open on a sunny day while gaming, that shit knocks me out instantly.

Like a damn cat...
 
I'm 29 and this used to happen to me in my teen years but that was before I started lifting. OP, you say you're lifting though so I don't know man. It's a weird problem, sounds to me like you're just bored of gaming. Maybe just take up reading as your main hobby for a matter of months and see if it rejuvenates a love for games at all, always works for me.
 
Are you playing alone? I have no friends anymore, and find it difficult to play alone without getting sleepy.

Edit: I exercise almost every day. Physical energy is not an issue. I also pass out ~100% when watching movies on the couch.
 
Welcome to the "Post 20s gaming fatigue". It'll go away eventually. Just play whatever you feel like playing, if anything.

boon said:
Are you playing alone? I have no friends anymore, and find it difficult to play alone without getting sleepy.
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Haha, I'm the opposite, when I played a ton of local co-op with a friend I'd fall asleep mid-game constantly :lol.
 
Consider that games require eye dexterity and have higher frames than TV or movies. Is it possible your eyes need resting and you need a break? How long does it usually happen before you get tired?
 
i don't get actually tired sleepy, but I definitely experience fatigue related to certain gaming sessions. I'm 25 and I can no longer do 6-8 hours sessions like I could during my teen years. I usually need a good hour break every 4 hours or so.
 
So to answer everyone, yeah I do workout 4 times a week. I give myself one day off in between and weekends are to just go out with the gf/friends/family/you name it.

No I am not bored of gaming, I legitimately want to play these games. I'll be super engaged and into whichever story I am playing at that time until my own body just falls asleep on me and prevents me from playing, hence my frustration. Whether I feel rested or not, I'll just slowly begin shutting my eyes.

I really do feel like this is a post 20s thing. When I was a kid I could play non-stop. Now I have to stop myself once the sleepiness starts to hit, and that varies from a few minutes to maximum 2-3hrs. I'm always behind in games these days because of this (and admitedly being busy during the day of course).
 
I think that gaming relaxes you and you are a tired person in general therefore gaming makes you realise you are tired. OR you play games when you are tired - you do this subconsciously. #amirite?
 
ZAMtendo said:
I think that gaming relaxes you and you are a tired person in general therefore gaming makes you realise you are tired. OR you play games when you are tired - you do this subconsciously. #amirite?
Click to expand...

This could very well be it. I am up and running at 6AM and only sit down to play at 7-8PM during those 4 work+workout days. I do get a day to rest from working out and am ready to play by 6PM, but I still fall asleep shortly after beginning the session lol...
 
names2hard4you said:
This could very well be it. I am up and running at 6AM and only sit down to play at 7-8PM during those 4 work+workout days. I do get a day to rest from working out and am ready to play by 6PM, but I still fall asleep shortly after beginning the session lol...
Click to expand...

Maybe test yourself by playing a video game when you are very awake and active and see how it affects you? If I had to bet, I'd say it's not gaming that makes you sleepy :)
 
I was actually going to make a thread about falling asleep while playing games and sharing stories of it. I remember playing saints row 3 with a friend co-op and him not responding. I looked at the map and found him. He was just walking into a wall fast asleep. Other times I've heard friends snoring on the mic lol.

I fall asleep playing games all the time. Usually only sp though unless it's super late at night. I had a hell of a time at the beginning of uncharted 4 because I kept falling asleep. My wife was in the room and kept telling me what I missed. Haha.
 
i'm almost always somewhat sleepy unless i'm super engaged in some activity. I've found that i best enjoy games after a nap, and it kinda makes sense since is also the best time to do anything with my full atention to it.

Maybe take a nap before?
 
I used to never have this problem, but yes, in recent years certain games have made me fall asleep, or at least have to turn the game off because I can barely keep my eyes open. The Witcher 3, MGS V, and Fallout 4 come to mind. Basically it seems to stem from games where there is a lot of "downtime", but it's that combined with a less than compelling story, which is most games, to be fair. I feel like I never get tired playing Rocket League or Overwatch, or most single player games like Dark Souls or Uncharted. The Division made me bored, but never made me tired. I'm not sure what the magic combination is, but yes, some games make me sleepy.
 
what kind of game are you falling asleep to?

you'll find you'll fall asleep to games where your eyes must move around alot or a repetitive screen as seen in rhythm games.
 
Stratostar said:
No you don't.
Click to expand...

I've always only slept this may hours, nothing has changed here.

stargateheaven said:
what kind of game are you falling asleep to?

you'll find you'll fall asleep to games where your eyes must move around alot or a repetitive screen as seen in rhythm games.
Click to expand...

Most recently? Overwatch. I can only play 2 or 3 matches being fully awake, anything past that is a huge gamble. Odin Sphere. Tons of ass kicking on enemies. After about an hour or two I'll feel tired. And today VA-11 HALL-A. Bartending and really cool character banter with great music. The music keeps me awake and the dialog is great, some of the best most genuine writing I've seen in awhile. Can't play more than 2hrs.

Then there were others like Uncharted 4, The Division, The Witcher, Fallout, etc. Same principle. So any genre really will do this to me.
 
This happens to me as well, both at home with my fun games and at work as game tester (so close to snoring when I close my eyes). I usually play for hours on end, with only a lunch or dinner break.

Perhaps the old warning we used to get of taking a 15 minute break per hour of game time was meant to combat the screen fatigue that we are experiencing?
 
This has started to happen a lot to me, especially in single player games when I am not much focused. Recently was playing Atelier and despite going in fresh, I was sleepy pretty quickly.
 
It's incrediby rare but it does happen to me.

It could simply be eye strain from looking at screens for too long.
 
This happens to me too. Noticed it usually happens around the summer, and it's been incredibly hot these days.

Usually only happens with RPGs though, never happens with multiplayer.
 
I have the same problem. I can get sleepy in the middle of the day gaming on my PC after 15 minutes. For whatever reason I can watch Youtube videos all night long and stay wide awake.

I work odd hours that shift around a lot and usually don't get enough sleep. What I've noticed that has helped is taking a sleep aid on occasion (benadryl for me). Gaming sessions the next day are sooo much more fun. I don't recommend taking a sleep aid but you could try going to bed an hour earlier and testing out the results.
 
It could be mostly be your screen anyway.

I used to have a "720p" Samsung TV where the actual resolution is 1366x768 which is not native 720p. So the games from my consoles always looked a tiny bit soft, apparently my eyes are sensitive to this and I couldn't play for more than 2 hours. Watching TV and films were fine. My PC was fine most of the time, but I noticed that some games gave me more fatigue than others.

I realized that if I could run a game at it's native resolution I could play for hours, but if not, I would get eye fatigue. So I finally bought a 46" Sony Bravia 900W and lo and behold eye fatigue gone (well it won't make you compensate for lack of sleep). It's an excellent TV, even on games that are not native resolution it scales it really well so even my old PS3 games have all become sharp now. The TV also adjusts to the light to your surroundings whether it's bright, dusk or night, and that seems to help as well and is totally seamless.

On a side note: I always turn off motion blur. And, just so you know, laptop screens are usually quite bad for me so I do get eye fatigue. You can alleviate it somewhat if you color calibrate your screen, but laptop screens have their limitations. So last time I choose a laptop it was based upon what screen it had and not so much the spec. (Although it was still a gaming laptop, it's broken now though)

PS. Any handheld gaming device with less than a 5" screen gives me eye fatigue within 30min. DS
 
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