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### Topic

#### Something that would ease our transition into sleep when we finally get to that point.

I wondered if there might be a way to add a minigame or other Glitch experience that promotes relaxation, calm thoughts, and would help us get away from the allure of sparkly or hoochmaking and help us step AWAY from the KEYBOARD with both EYELIDS UP (barely and not for long.)
There is research out there on how computers contribute to insomnia. We look at bright lights, enjoy stimulating conversation, and try to complete tasks that tend to snowball. (Got all this ore, must grind it. Got all these elements, must do some alchemy. Got all these EHSPs, must auction.) One thing leads to another and next thing we know it's hours past our intended bedtime.
I know that there are mysterious business reasons why keeping us glued to the edge of our seats overnight helps the business that is Glitch, but I don't understand all of them and anyway, once we HAVE resolved we are going to go to bed, you could help us get our brains relaxed and ready for the transition to flossing/brushing/whatever else has to be done to get the head on the pillow administering the vital medicine of sleep to our frail bodies and brains.
So here's my thoughts. How about a peaceful minigame, or special section of Ur? This game is the best example I know of, and I'm always surprised it isn't better known:
http://www.ferryhalim.com/orisinal/g2/bubble.htm
There is no goal in this game except to simply make bubbles around bees (and the occasional clock). It's easy, peaceful, and engrossing. Nothing bad happens if you miss. There is a timer, but you can get extra time once you've acquired only modest skill at trapping the bees. Nothing spectacular happens if you manage to catch 6 bees in one bubble (my personal best.) The music is competent and simple, soft and soothing. This particular game's screen is rather bright, so that is one downside. They're saying that staring into bright computer screens at night is very bad for the part of our brain that is charge of shutting down and going to sleep. It messes up your circadian rhythm.
So I propose that some peaceful, sweet, gentle, and brain-state aware activity be added to the site. Maybe a potion could be the way in, like the Purple Potion, but the experience should take advantage of everything we know about brain states and external stimuli. I bet it work as well as Lunesta and not do harm like Ambien can.
Some of the locked rooms that let you drift slowly around and get coins do much the same thing. I am sure there are ways to set this up that can do far more to get the brain ready for sleep. Well-rested, we'll be back ASAP! You know it!

Posted 12 months ago by So sorry | Permalink

### Replies

- I'm not necessarily disagreeing with you, but I will say that probably the best way to get yourself ready for sleep is to get off the computer and read or crochet or pet a cat or something.
  Posted 12 months ago by diaveborn ♥ | Permalink
- you're probably right :)
  Posted 12 months ago by So sorry | Permalink