I came across an interesting post on Reddit discussing the experience of sleeping in VR. Many users shared their experiences of sleeping in VR, claiming it provided a deeply immersive sense of comfort. The comments sparked my interest in trying to sleep in VR. Here’s a look at my experiences and the changes I went through.
My experiences of sleeping in VR
First Attempt: Getting started
*World: Lunar Plants
However, my first attempt didn't go well. I wasn't comfortable in my chair and tried to maintain the same position for too long. I tried adjusting my posture, but found it challenging to find a comfortable position that didn’t interfere with the VR experience. Overall, the first attempt was somewhat discouraging.
Second Attempt: Gradual Adjustments
Determined not to give up, I made several adjustments for my second attempt. I first found a more comfortable posture to ensure my body could fully relax. Additionally, I chose a soft pillow to better support my head while wearing the VR headset.
This time, I chose a scenic world with a house surrounded by the sea and fireworks. Although the VR environment still felt a bit unfamiliar, the experience was improved compared to the first attempt. I gradually adapted to the immersive feel of VR and was able to fall asleep more easily while trying to relax.
*World: Yayoi Summer Nights
After many attempts: Adaptation and Discovery
After several attempts, I began to get used to trying to sleep in VR. More importantly, I discovered some virtual worlds or environments that I enjoyed. These environments were not only beautiful but also created a calming atmosphere that helped me fall asleep faster. Through continuous adjustment and experimentation, I learned to create a more relaxing sleep environment within VR.
I also found an interesting trick on Reddit's comment section: Combining the real world with the virtual world. For example, if it is a cold scene, you can lower the room temperature at the same time, so that you can better simulate a real sleeping environment. If there is a rotating fan in the world, you can also turn on the fan in real life and feel the cool breeze from it. This method effectively helps me get a better sense of immersion in virtual reality and improves my sleeping experience.
For some people, it is still hard to fall asleep using VR. It would be great to have a drink, listen to your favorite song, and enjoy the dreamy scenery.
Calvin's Experience
I've fallen asleep multiple times while wearing the headset, usually during my lunch break. I put on the headset, switch to Desktop view to check out some new gameplay videos or sports highlights, and eventually drift off to sleep after about 15 minutes, with the background auto-playing.
Of course, I do have a lovely and comfortable chair that lets me sleep well. But keep in mind, it’s better if you’re in an air-conditioned room, as it can get hot otherwise.
Conclusion
Through multiple attempts and adjustments, I found that virtual reality could indeed be a tool for improving sleep. Although the initial experience may not be perfect, adapting to the equipment and optimizing the environment can offer a new way to relax. If you're interested in this method, I encourage you to give it a try and make adjustments based on your own experiences. You might just find the best sleep experience for yourself.
