In an exciting initiative under the direction of Professor Yasuko Kankawa from Toyama University, known for her five-decade commitment to researching health and sleep, a new board game titled "Hurry Up and Sleep! - Your Brain and Sleep are Friends" has been introduced by the Emory Sleep and Lifestyle Research Institute. Starting from May 18, 2026, this game is set to engage both parents and children while educating them on the importance of sleep in a fun and interactive manner.
Creating Healthy Sleep and Cognitive Skills
What sets "Hurry Up and Sleep!" apart is its engaging approach, commencing with the creation of the game itself. As families cut, assemble, and personalize the game elements, this tactile experience stimulates creativity and enhances children's sensory perceptions. This hands-on activity, combined with gameplay, fosters brain development and emotional well-being in a nurturing environment.
This game is meticulously designed to promote the recognition of healthy sleep habits through gameplay. Children will naturally develop key skills such as imagination, focus, and communication while enjoying quality time with their family and friends. As they explore the game, they will understand the significance of sleep in maintaining balanced mental and physical health.
The Essential Connection Between Play, Learning, and Sleep
The brain thrives on play, learning, and physical activity, but it also accumulates fatigue that needs to be reset through quality rest. Sleep is vital; it enables the brain to recover, sorting out accumulated stress and preparing it for renewed energy and engagement in daily activities. Through this board game, children will effortlessly adopt crucial habits that contribute to their growth and overall well-being.
Understanding Gameplay
The game is suitable for 2 to 4 players and comes with everything needed, such as dice, player tokens, and a game board that players will assemble with their parents, especially recommended for younger children. The basic mechanics involve rolling the dice and advancing on the board while filling up the "Brain's Vitality Sheet" with colorful tokens representing energy and fatigue. Players who fill their sheets first win, with game dynamics that reward healthy habits while managing tiredness tokens.
One of the unique features of the game is the flexibility it offers; families can adjust the rules based on age and environment, making it a versatile tool for learning while being enjoyable over multiple sessions. Each game set comes with a "Sleep and Lifestyle Journal," allowing families to track their routines, reflect, and initiate conversations about better habits.
A Resource for Families and Educational Institutions
This board game encourages sustainable sleep habits that can last a lifetime. It is an ideal resource not just for families but also for educational institutions like preschools and primary schools, and community organizations aiming to promote better sleep awareness among children. Emory is offering special pricing for bulk orders to support institutions interested in implementing the game.
Inspiration Behind the Game
The making of this board game stems from a wider vision shared by Kankawa, who believes that the importance of sleep is often overlooked compared to nutrition and exercise. Throughout her extensive research, she has seen how essential sleep is not just for physical health but also for invigorating the brain's functions that influence mood and behavior. This game is intended to impart this critical knowledge to children in a manner that is both enjoyable and memorable.
Kankawa emphasizes that in our increasingly digital world, engaging in manual activities that stimulate creativity and foster connections among family and friends is more important than ever. She hopes that children will not only learn the value of sleep but also the joys of shared play through this board game.
As families embark on this journey of fun and learning through the game, they are paving the way for children to realize and appreciate the vital role of sleep in their lives.
For more details on the game and to make a purchase, visit the Emory online store.
Product Details
- - Price: 1,800 yen (tax included, shipping separate)
- - Dimensions: Box Size (approx): 30cm x 42cm x 2cm
- - Contents: Players’ tokens (4), dice (1), vitality sheets (4), energy tokens (30), fatigue tokens (30), game board, instruction manual, and sleep and lifestyle journal.
- - Target Age: Recommended for ages 5 and up.
- - Purchase Links: Available on Emory's official online store, Rakuten, and Yahoo Shopping.