Pokmon Sleep is a sleep app I wasnt expecting, and Im kind of intrigued

Date:
Tue, 28 Feb 2023 16:01:42 +0000

Description:
Catch Pokmon while catching ZZZs? Pokmon Sleep could be a whole new way of improving your slumber.

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One brand I didnt expect to crop up this morning, when I was having a look around for fresh sleep-related stories in my capacity as TechRadar's Sleep Editor, was Pokmon. I used to write about video games for a living, and back in the day I could wield a mean Jigglypuff in the original version of Super Smash Bros , but the actual Pokmon games have largely passed me by. Nevertheless Pokmon Sleep absolutely caught my attention this morning, and in a half-fascinated, half-horrified kind of way.

Lets start with the basics: Pokmon Sleep is a sleep-tracking app, but with Pokmon. You install the app on your iOS or Android device, and put your phone by your pillow when you go to sleep at night (or use the Pokmon GO Plus +, an upcoming Bluetooth accessory); Pokmon Sleep will then monitor your slumber throughout the night and, come the morning, reward you with Pokmon depending on the quality and length of your sleep. (Image credit: The Pokmon Company)

It gets better (especially if youre bought into the whole Pokmon thing): according to the Pokmon Company, the app will classify your sleep as one of three styles dozing, snoozing or slumbering and the Pokmon you get in the morning will be the ones that sleep in similar ways. And, adorably, theyll come and gather around Snorlax, the original sleepy Pokmon. (Image credit:
The Pokmon Company)

All of which sounds fun, and Ive already heard from one more games-focused colleague who struggles to get a good nights sleep and is really interested
in what Pokmon Sleep has to offer. He even mentioned the potential for gamifying sleep and thats where I start to worry a bit.

On the one hand, theres a definite appeal to a fun alternative to the best sleep apps ; one that rewards good sleep habits with delightful digital collectibles, and eventually trains you into adopting a healthy sleep schedule. No argument there.

On the other hand, I remember what happened when Pokmon GO really kicked off, with hordes of people flocking to random places not always in the most salubrious locations in hope of catching a super-rare Pokmon, and I cant
help but wonder just what sort of weird and disruptive results a similar Pokmon Sleep craze might trigger. (Image credit: The Pokmon Company)

Because while the Pokmon Companys promise to turn your sleep into entertainment feels very well-meaning not to mention its assertion that waking up in the morning will become something to look forward to Im not sure, particularly if kids are involved



Just imagine a younger player going to bed all excited at the prospect of earning a rare new Pokmon in their sleep. They wouldnt sleep! As our article Why cant I sleep when Im tired? explains, if youre mentally wired when youre trying to go to sleep, it just wont happen. And to add insult to injury,
after a sleepless night those children would probably be rewarded in the morning with a dozing Magikarp (see, I do know some Pokmon facts).

This explainer video at least suggests that Pokmon Sleep is aimed squarely at adults (although, come on, kids are definitely going to get involved, aren't they?). Another potential (and age-unlimited) worry is that whole 'gotta
catch 'em all' aspect of Pokmon; does this mean having to mess with your
sleep patterns if you're the sort of obsessive player who absolutely has to catch every single one of them?

I can definitely relate to that, as my complete set of Vampire Survivors achievements will attest. But I'm hoping that Pokmon Sleep is wired to
account for that; it mentions that each Pokmon has a number of different
sleep styles, so it seems possible that eventually you'll be able to collect the entire set, however you sleep.

It has to be said that all manner of fitness and health apps already use gamification techniques to galvanize you into action, so I suppose that ultimately this seems like an intriguing (and let's be honest, utterly delightful) approach to fostering better sleep habits; maybe it'll get some gamers rushing out to equip themselves the with the best mattress and best pillows to improve their sleep setup and catch more Pokmon.

Pokmon Sleep is due to launch some time around June or July, so we'll find
out more then.



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Link to news story: https://www.techradar.com/news/pokemon-sleep-is-a-sleep-app-i-wasnt-expecting- and-im-kind-of-intrigued


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