In our circle of friends, there are always a few gaming enthusiasts whose passion for video games seems to know no bounds. They often sacrifice sleep to conquer challenges, staying up late into the night. However, these "midnight battles" are a silent struggle against health, as they quietly steal away precious sleep time and significantly lower sleep quality. What should have been a haven of rest becomes a battlefield of exhaustion and fatigue.
The importance of sleep is akin to sunshine and rain for the growth of all living things. A good night’s sleep is not only a secret weapon for physical recovery but also a magical elixir for boosting immunity. It sharpens our minds and calms our emotions like a tranquil lake. For adults, the golden rule of 7 to 9 hours of restful slumber is key to maintaining optimal physical and mental health. For teenagers in their prime, this extended dreamland is even more essential for growth and vitality.
Staying up late to play games is like engaging in a silent tug-of-war with the tranquillity of the night, and sleep often ends up as the unfortunate loser. The human body operates with a finely tuned biological clock, a diligent commander that orchestrates our sleep and wake cycles. When this rhythm is disrupted, it triggers a relentless spiral of sleep disturbances, potentially leading to chronic insomnia. The glow of the screen, like a blue phantom, silently erodes your sleep quality.
Blue light emitted by screens is the arch-nemesis of melatonin, the guardian of sleep. It suppresses melatonin production, making the journey to slumber arduous and prolonged. At the same time, the intense battles and suspenseful storylines in games act as adrenaline shots, plunging the brain into a whirlpool of overexcitement. Even after putting down the controller and turning off the screen, your brain takes a long time to wind down from this frenzy and slowly drift into rest. Even if you manage to fall asleep, the shadow of staying up late still lingers, robbing you of deep sleep. You might wake up feeling drained, your memory foggy, and your emotions tumultuous.
So, give your game controller a break before bed, as it might be an invisible barrier between you and a blissful night’s rest. The 1 to 2 hours before bedtime are crucial for your brain to retreat from the day’s hustle and prepare for the serenity of the night. If you’re still engrossed in gaming during this golden window, your brain may remain too "reluctant to part" with the excitement, delaying your entry into dreamland. Instead, opt for gentler activities during this time, like diving into an engaging book, letting its words soothe your mind like a gentle breeze, or listening to calming music with headphones. These relaxing activities act like soft pyjamas for the brain, helping it unwind and prepare for the sweet dreams ahead.
For those addictive blockbuster video games, they are like treasure islands too tempting to resist. Once you set foot on them, it’s hard to turn back. But remember, you are the captain of your own time. Learn to keep your gaming sessions within a reasonable limit, avoiding marathon runs or endless "grinding."
If you continuously drift away from sleep, the consequences can be far from pleasant. Your memory may feel like it’s been erased with rubber, your emotions may swing like a roller coaster, and your immune system could weaken, opening the door to various illnesses. So cherish your sleep and resist the lure of late-night gaming. Let your body return to its natural rhythm and allow your mind to find true rest in the tranquillity of the night.
