The Secret Life Of Sleeptalkers

Don't Sleep is the name of several different things. It is the name of a free-to-use utility for Windows that prevents a computer from entering sleep mode or shutting down automatically. It is also the name of a game available on Steam, in which the player must escape a zombie apocalypse. Additionally, Don't Sleep is a game on Roblox, though there are no running experiences of it currently available.

'They Don't Sleep' is a zombie apocalypse video game

They Don't Sleep is a zombie apocalypse video game that was released in September 2022 by Missing Middle Games. It is a fast-paced zombie survival life simulation game with easy-to-grasp gameplay and no lengthy tutorials. Players can jump right into the action, shooting zombies, managing supplies, and juggling the needs of the central character, Kaya, and her child.

The game is centred around fixing Kaya's truck and escaping the ravening zombie horde. Players must keep the zombies from breaking through fences and repair any damage they cause, all while ensuring that hunger and stress do not become deadly threats to Kaya and her baby.

They Don't Sleep features seven different skills that players can upgrade as they gain experience and level up. These include improving accuracy, speed, and childcare abilities. The game also includes all-original, hand-crafted pixel art, an emotional character-driven story, and intense zombie survival gameplay.

The game was developed by a solo developer, whose mission was to create small, engaging, and meaningful games that players can enjoy in a single sitting.

'Don't Sleep' is a free utility for Windows to prevent unexpected shutdowns

Don't Sleep is a free utility for Windows that prevents unexpected system shutdowns, standby mode, hibernation, restart, and other actions triggered by periods of inactivity. It is designed to keep your computer active, especially during critical tasks.

Don't Sleep operates by sensing when the screensaver is about to activate or when the computer is about to enter sleep mode. It then intervenes by signalling to the operating system that important tasks are in progress, effectively aborting the sleep process. This is particularly useful when running older software on modern operating systems, as it overrides aggressive power-saving features.

In addition to its primary function, Don't Sleep also includes a timer feature. This allows users to control the blocking or shutdown of their computers for a specified period, making it useful for long downloads or software installations. However, it's important to note that frequent use of this tool can drain the battery quickly.

Don't Sleep is a portable Windows program that does not require installation. It is lightweight, easy to use, and multilingual. Overall, it is a valuable tool for preventing automatic shutdowns and managing your computer's sleep behaviour.

Sleep deprivation

Effects on the Body and Mind

Sleep is crucial for the proper functioning of the central nervous system. During sleep, pathways form between nerve cells in the brain, aiding in memory retention. Sleep deprivation leaves the brain exhausted, impairing its ability to function optimally.

Health Risks

Sleep is also essential for maintaining cardiovascular health. People who don't get enough sleep are more likely to develop cardiovascular disease, and insomnia has been associated with an increased risk of heart attack and stroke.

Furthermore, sleep deprivation weakens the immune system, making it harder for the body to fight off infections and increasing the likelihood of respiratory infections like the common cold and flu.

Impact on Daily Life

Sleep deficiency can significantly interfere with daily activities, including work, school, driving, and social functioning. It can lead to difficulty in learning, focusing, and reacting, as well as challenges in judging other people's emotions and social situations. Sleep-deprived individuals may experience frustration, crankiness, and worry, impacting their social interactions.

Treatment and Prevention

The most basic treatment for sleep deprivation is ensuring adequate sleep duration, typically 7 to 9 hours for adults. However, this can be challenging, especially if an individual has experienced prolonged sleep deprivation. In such cases, seeking help from a doctor or sleep specialist is advisable, as underlying sleep disorders may be contributing to the condition.

Practicing good sleep hygiene is crucial for preventing and managing sleep deprivation. This includes maintaining a consistent sleep schedule, optimising the bedroom environment, and avoiding caffeine and alcohol close to bedtime. Relaxation techniques, such as controlled breathing and meditation, can also help induce sleep.

Sleep disorders

Sleep is a complex biological process that is critical to both our physical and mental health. Sleep disorders are conditions that disturb normal sleep patterns and can affect our daily functioning. There are over 80 different types of sleep disorders, with insomnia being the most common.

Insomnia

This sleep disorder involves problems with falling and staying asleep. A physician will diagnose insomnia if the sleep difficulties occur at least three nights a week for a minimum of three months, causing distress or problems at work or school. To diagnose insomnia, a doctor will rule out other sleep disorders, medication side effects, substance misuse, and physical and mental illnesses.

Sleep Apnea

Sleep apnea is a breathing disorder characterised by interruptions in breathing during sleep, lasting 10 seconds or more. This disorder causes snoring, snorting, gasping, or breathing pauses, resulting in daytime sleepiness and fatigue. Sleep apnea is diagnosed through a clinical sleep study that monitors the number of breathing obstructions during sleep.

Restless Leg Syndrome (RLS)

RLS involves a tingling or prickly sensation in the legs, along with a powerful urge to move them. These symptoms typically occur in the evening or at night and are relieved by movement. RLS can cause difficulty falling asleep and frequently awaken individuals, leading to daytime sleepiness.

Hypersomnia

Hypersomnia is a condition where individuals are unable to stay awake during the day. This includes narcolepsy, which causes extreme daytime sleepiness. People with narcolepsy experience an irrepressible need to sleep multiple times a day and may suddenly lose muscle tone when triggered by laughter or joking.

Circadian Rhythm Disorders

These disorders involve problems with the sleep-wake cycle, making it difficult to fall asleep and wake up at the right times. They can be caused by internal factors, such as a person's body clock being out of sync with the light-dark cycle, or external factors like shift work or jet lag.

Parasomnia

Parasomnia involves acting in unusual ways while falling asleep, sleeping, or waking up, such as walking, talking, or eating. This can include sleepwalking, sleep terrors, nightmare disorder, and REM sleep behaviour disorder. These episodes can cause significant distress and problems with functioning, including injury to the individual or their bed partner.

Treatment Options

Treatment for sleep disorders vary depending on the specific disorder but may include good sleep habits, lifestyle changes, cognitive behavioural therapy, relaxation techniques, medication, and natural products like melatonin.

Sleep hygiene

Set a Sleep Schedule

• Maintain a fixed wake-up time: Keep the same wake-up time every day, even on weekends. A fluctuating schedule disrupts your sleep rhythm.
• Prioritise sleep: Avoid sacrificing sleep for other activities. Calculate your bedtime based on your wake-up time and stick to it.
• Make gradual adjustments: If you need to change your sleep times, do it gradually, in small steps, to avoid throwing off your sleep schedule.
• Limit naps: Naps can disrupt nighttime sleep. Keep them short and in the early afternoon.

Follow a Nightly Routine

• Keep your routine consistent: Perform the same pre-sleep steps each night, such as putting on pajamas and brushing your teeth, to signal to your mind that it's bedtime.
• Wind down for 30 minutes: Engage in calming activities like soft music, light stretching, reading, or relaxation exercises before bed.
• Dim the lights: Bright lights hinder melatonin production. Use dim lighting before bed to facilitate sleep.
• Unplug from electronics: Take a break from devices like phones, tablets, and laptops for 30-60 minutes before bed. They cause mental stimulation and emit blue light, disrupting melatonin production.
• Practice relaxation techniques: Focus on relaxation rather than sleep. Try meditation, mindfulness, paced breathing, or other relaxation methods to prepare your mind for sleep.
• Avoid tossing and turning: If you can't sleep after 20 minutes, get up and engage in a calming activity in low light before trying again.

Cultivate Healthy Daily Habits

• Get daylight exposure: Sunlight is a key driver of circadian rhythms, which promote quality sleep.
• Exercise regularly: Physical activity improves sleep quality and offers other health benefits.
• Avoid smoking: Nicotine disrupts sleep, contributing to various sleep problems.
• Reduce alcohol and caffeine intake: Alcohol may help you fall asleep initially but disrupts sleep later. Caffeine, being a stimulant, can keep you wired when you want to rest. Limit these substances, especially in the afternoon and evening.
• Eat early dinners: Late, heavy, or spicy meals close to bedtime can disrupt sleep due to digestion. Opt for lighter meals or snacks before bed.
• Restrict in-bed activities: Use your bed only for sleep and sex to associate your bed with sleep.

Optimise Your Bedroom

• Invest in a comfortable mattress and pillow: Your sleeping surface is crucial for comfort and pain-free sleep.
• Use comfortable bedding: Choose sheets and blankets that suit your preferences.
• Maintain a cool temperature: Keep your bedroom on the cooler side, around 65°F (18.3°C).
• Block out light: Use heavy curtains or an eye mask to prevent light from interrupting your sleep.
• Reduce noise: Use earplugs, a white noise machine, or a fan to minimise disruptive sounds.
• Try calming scents: Light scents like lavender may induce a calmer state of mind and create a positive sleep environment.

Frequently asked questions