The Pokémon Sleep app hits one million users in Japan

How does Pokémon Sleep work?

If you missed out on details about the app when it launched last year, we’ve got you covered.

Similar to standard sleep tracking apps, Pokémon Sleep sends a notification to users 30 minutes before their scheduled bedtime. This starts a countdown, which users should be mindful of and get ready to tuck in. Getting into bed on time results in greater reward points in the game, after all.

The app then prompts users to place their smartphone beside their pillow and then, well, say goodnight!

Throughout the night, the app monitors each round of users’ sleep cycle – from REM to light and deep sleep – but it classifies each of these phases differently. Dozing, snoozing, and slumbering are the app’s preferred terms.

Via the microphone on a pillow-side smart device, the app registers snoring and other noises the user makes while slumbering. It also picks up waking noises to determine how well (and long) you slept for.

In the morning, users are greeted with a screen which grades the quality of their sleep.

It’s at this moment that in-game bonuses are granted, and when users are presented with new Pokémon that gathered around their sleepiest guy – Snorlax – overnight.

Each newfound Pokémon has its own sleeping style, which represents a similar sleeping style to the users’.

In order to get stronger, cooler Pokémon, users will need to make an effort to get better sleep ­– that is, learning to get into bed on time, winding down quicker, and staying asleep for a healthy number of hours.

Is the game addictive?

Users have praised the Japanese company for ensuring that the gamified sleeping app doesn’t become a distraction from getting rest itself.

Creators have done so by making gameplay extremely limited. For example, Snorlax greets users in the morning and before bed, only requiring some food three times a day.

You eat, Snorlax eats. Easy enough. Beyond this, there isn’t much else to do besides rest to keep your collection of Pokémon happy and growing.

Pokémon Sleep-ers describe their experience with the app as ‘calming’ and ‘less daunting’ than time spent using traditional apps. They say it actually motivates them to get a good night’s rest, unlike other apps which beg for our attention into the late night.

Even when the novelty of using the app wears off, avid users believe they’ll reap the benefits of a more regimented bedtime routine put in place by Pokémon Sleep.

As a lifelong night-owl myself, I reckon I’ll give it a try tonight. Who’s with me?