Can You Catch All Your ZZZs with Pokémon Sleep App?

Updated February 21, 2024

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Online searches for the Pokémon Sleep app dramatically increased soon after it launched in July 2023, according to Google Trends. With a reported 10 million downloads, it may be no surprise the Pokémon Sleep Reddit group now has over 46,000 followers for this free app with in-app purchases available. Eight months after the app’s release, researchers are beginning to evaluate its impact on sleep.

The Pokémon Sleep app builds on the idea that making everyday things fun can help improve our health. It uses your smartphone’s accelerometer and mic to turn sleep into a game by tracking and rewarding quality sleep and consistent bedtimes.

Gamification is often used as a targeted way for app users to set goals that modify health behaviors. Trusted Source National Library of Medicine, Biotech Information The National Center for Biotechnology Information advances science and health by providing access to biomedical and genomic information. View Source For example, a November 2023 review found that Pokémon GO improved physical activity for children and teens. Trusted Source National Library of Medicine, Biotech Information The National Center for Biotechnology Information advances science and health by providing access to biomedical and genomic information. View Source The reality-augmented app, first launched in 2016, is intended to be played outdoors where users explore their surroundings and get exercise by catching various Pokémon.

A small study published in January 2022 looked at gamification’s effect on sleep. It found that 13 participants who used a gamified version of a sleep app were more motivated to improve their sleep-wake behaviors than 13 participants who used a non-gamified version. Trusted Source Science Direct The leading platform of peer-reviewed literature that helps you move your research forward. View Source

Early data from the Pokémon Company suggest that sleep times increased for people who used the app for 3 months. An independent Japanese study from late 2023 reportedly found that Pokémon Sleep users had 26 more minutes of sleep per night than the previous year, according to TechTimes.

To improve sleep habits, the app offers a personalized sleep schedule, nightly goals, background music, and an alarm clock. Sleep expert Dr. Masashi Yanagisawa of the University of Tsukuba in Japan provided input on the game design to help ensure that healthy sleep behaviors are rewarded, leading to higher scores.

Players place their phones near their pillows to begin the game and track their sleep. A special Pikachu wearing a nightcap welcomes first-time users who receive a Snorlax to study and raise (much like a pet). In the morning, players receive a report categorizing their sleep style from light and fitful to almost no moving around or waking up. Players can befriend various Pokémon that gather around their Snorlax based on their sleep quality. Other potential rewards include berries to give to the Snorlax to increase its strength, diamonds, cooking ingredients, and the chance to level up.

The inability to scroll on your phone at bedtime while the app is in tracking mode is another potential benefit that may change the way some users pursue sleep:

“It helps me go to bed on time, and it’s also super helpful for not staying up using my phone,” says IvyEmblem on Reddit.

“It’s embarrassing to admit, but Pokémon Sleep is motivating me to sleep a little better because these creatures are my babies, and they need to rest up,” says sushimustwrite on X

It’s important to note that individual results may vary, and some users may find that the app doesn’t significantly impact their sleep. So far, research on Pokémon Sleep is limited. More studies are needed to understand whether the motivation to do well in a game–and enjoyment of a game–translates to better sleep.

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Written By

Mary Ladd, Contributing Writer

Mary is a writer who is editing an anthology on long COVID-19. She authored "The Wig Diaries: An Irreverent Cancer Book" with "Bad Reporter" illustrator Don Asmussen. Her writing is in several anthologies, Playboy, Health, and KQED. She collaborated with Anthony Bourdain, and is a longtime Writers Grotto member.

Learn more about our Editorial Team

References
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