Sleep Soundly: A 7-Day Guide To Deep Slumber

In the video game 7 Days to Die, sleep is not an option for your character. Instead, you make a bed, which becomes a spawn point for when your character dies. When you get killed, you go to a death screen and get two options: Spawn on Bed or Spawn nearby Bed. The bedroll acts as a respawn point and can be crafted using plant fibres and animal hide. While there is no sleep option, players can shorten the night or skip it entirely by setting the night cycle to its minimum setting or using the settime admin command on the in-game command console.

How to make a bedroll

A bedroll is a great way to transport your bedding from place to place. It is also a good option if you want to sleep under the stars without a tent. Here is how to make a bedroll in a few simple steps.

Firstly, you will need to gather your materials. You will need a groundsheet, a mattress, a sleeping bag, blankets, a pillow, and rope or straps to secure your bedroll. The groundsheet should be made of waterproof canvas or polyester material to protect your bed from damp ground. It should be twice the width and length of your mattress. You can use an air or foam mattress, but a smaller mattress, such as a twin size, will be easier to carry when hiking or moving between campsites.

Now you have your materials, it is time to assemble your bedroll. Spread out your groundsheet and place your mattress in the centre. Lay your sleeping bag on top of the mattress lengthwise, and add your blankets. Fleece or wool blankets are a good option, depending on your preference. Fold large blankets in half vertically for a neater bedroll. Add a small pillow to the top of your sleeping bag for a more comfortable night's sleep.

Next, fold the side edges of the groundsheet over the top of the blankets. Starting from the bottom, roll up the entire bed, keeping the mattress, sleeping bag, blankets, and groundsheet together. Secure your bedroll with rope or straps. You will need at least two pieces of rope or strap to secure each end of the roll. You can also add a third length of rope to use as a handle.

Finally, practice assembling and carrying your bedroll before your camping trip to ensure it is light enough for you. Adjust the number of blankets according to the weather. If you are camping in warmer temperatures, you may only need one blanket or none at all. For colder weather, you will need to add extra blankets.

And there you have it—a comfortable and dry bedroll to enjoy on your next camping trip!

What to do when you can't sleep

If you're lying awake in bed, try to take your mind off any racing thoughts. Picture a relaxing scene, perhaps lying in a beach hammock under the stars. Imagine the sounds of waves, the rustling of palm trees, and any other sensations you might feel. Focus on this scene for a while.

If you've been lying awake for a while, get out of bed and do something relaxing that might make you feel drowsy, such as reading, listening to quiet music, or doing gentle yoga. Keep the lights low and go back to bed after 20-30 minutes, or sooner if you start to feel sleepy.

Avoid technology, such as phones, computers, or TV. Brightly lit screens can trick your brain into thinking it's time to wake up, and anything stimulating can kick your body into wake-up mode.

If you regularly have trouble falling asleep, train your body to wind down and relax with a pre-sleep routine each night. This could be taking a shower, reading, or listening to quiet music.

Good sleep habits will also help you fall asleep more easily. Go to bed and wake up at the same time every day, even on weekends. Keep your room cool and dark, and be active during the day, but not too close to bedtime. Caffeine will also keep you awake, so avoid coffee, tea, energy drinks, and other caffeinated drinks for several hours before bed.

If you wake up in the middle of the night and can't get back to sleep, get up and go to another part of the house. This way, your bed is less likely to become a place of stress. Do something quiet and relaxing, like reading a book, and return to bed when you feel drowsy.

Relaxation techniques

Controlled breathing can bring your body into a state of relaxation. Place one hand on your stomach and the other on your chest. Inhale slowly, directing your breath deep into your belly. The hand on your stomach should rise, while the one on your chest should have little to no movement. Exhale gently and repeat this exercise several times.

Another technique is progressive muscle relaxation, which involves tensing and relaxing particular muscle groups to help you recognise and release tension. Sit or lie in a comfortable position and become aware of your breath. As you slowly breathe in, clench your fists, noticing the sensations that accompany tightening your muscles. Gently exhale and relax your hands. Repeat this process for muscle groups throughout your body.

Imagery or visualisation is a technique that involves imagining peaceful or comforting scenes to encourage the body to relax. Find a comfortable position, close your eyes, and practice controlled breathing for a few moments. Then, imagine yourself in a calming scene, such as on a beach, and picture as many pleasant details as you can.

Proactive tips for better sleep

• Get at least 30 minutes of natural light early in the day.
• Stick to a consistent sleep schedule, even on weekends.
• Optimise your bedroom environment by keeping it cool, dark, and quiet.
• Avoid caffeine and alcohol close to bedtime.
• Exercise regularly, but not too close to bedtime.
• Limit naps, especially if you're having trouble sleeping.
• Eat smart by avoiding heavy meals before bedtime and limiting caffeine and alcohol.

How to skip the night

If you're looking to skip the night in 7 Days to Die, there are a few methods you can use. Firstly, it's important to note that your character does not sleep in the game. Instead, you can create a bedroll or bed, which serves as a spawn point when you die. While this doesn't directly skip the night, it provides a strategic advantage by allowing you to choose your respawn location.

Now, to actually skip the night, you have a couple of options. One method is to set the night cycle to its minimum setting, causing the night to pass faster than usual. Alternatively, you can use the "settime" admin command on the in-game command console to permanently set the game to daytime. However, this method only works in single-player mode or if you're the server administrator in multiplayer.

If you're looking for other ways to manage the challenges of the night, there are a few strategies you can employ. Firstly, gather consumables like food and water during the day, and hide in a closed space at night. You can also build a small base with a narrow opening to bottleneck zombies if they attack. Additionally, consider searching for a Trader Settlement, as these areas are impenetrable and can provide a safe haven for the night.

It's worth noting that while there are no sleep mechanics in the base game, some overhaul mods may introduce sleep elements. For example, in the Starvation Mod, your bed can heal you when you stand on it, but there is also a "Sanity" aspect where spending too many nights away from your bed can lead to insanity.

Nighttime activities

A good nighttime routine can help you wind down and prepare for a good night's sleep. Here are some activities to help you relax and get ready for bed:

Build and Maintain Your Sleep Sanctuary

Keep your bedroom orderly and clutter-free, especially the areas near your bed. A 2015 sleep study found that people who sleep in cluttered rooms are more likely to have trouble falling asleep and experience rest disturbances.

Control the Temperature

Keep your bedroom temperature between 60 and 67 degrees Fahrenheit. Avoid making it too cold, and consider wearing socks to bed. Sleeping with socks on can help dilate your blood vessels and regulate your internal body temperature.

Limit Non-Sleep Activities

Remove distractions and stimulating activities from your bedroom, especially technology. This helps to send a signal to your body that your bedroom is exclusively for sleep. Instead, try calming activities like meditation or a warm bath with Epsom salts.

Create a To-Do List

If you find yourself anxious about the upcoming day, try making a to-do list before bed. This gives you a dedicated time to organise your thoughts and helps ensure these tasks don't pop up again when you're trying to sleep.

Practice Gratitude

Gratitude is a powerful emotion that can help you fall asleep faster and improve your sleep quality. Try keeping a gratitude journal, recording the best parts of your day, or engage in a gratitude discussion with a partner or roommate before bed.

Consider Guided Imagery

Guided imagery is a form of focused relaxation that helps create harmony between your mind and body. Create a detailed mental scene from a memory, setting, or vision that evokes a sense of calmness. The more you practice this, the more effective it will become as a sleep aid.

How to survive a night

Sleep is not an option in 7 Days to Die. Instead, the game is about staying awake and surviving the night. Here are some tips on how to survive a night in the game:

• Crafting a bedroll acts as a respawn point when you die, so making one as soon as possible is a good idea. You can make a bedroll by obtaining plant fibres and animal hide from the environment, opening your crafting menu, selecting the "Survival" option, finding the bedroll recipe, and crafting it. You can then place it in an accessible and secure area, such as your base or a fortified area, to ensure you have a safe place to respawn.
• Utilise the night time for productive activities that will increase your chances of survival. This could include crafting important items like fortifications, weapons, or ammunition, as visibility is low and there may be fewer zombies to compete with for resources. However, be cautious as some zombies become more aggressive at night, and unexpected confrontations can be deadly.
• Gather consumables such as food and water during the day, and hide in a closed space, such as a closet, at night.
• Build a small base with a narrow opening to create a bottleneck for zombies, making it easier to defend yourself if they attack.
• Avoid climbing to high places, such as roofs, as zombie vultures can still pose a threat.
• Search for a Trader Settlement and stay there for the night, as these areas are impenetrable and provide safety.
• If playing with others, you can use the coffee item to stay awake and alert during the night.
• If you are playing on a single-player world or are the server administrator in multiplayer, you can use the "settime" admin command to permanently make it daytime and skip the night entirely.

Frequently asked questions