# How to Configure Sleep and Time Settings on Your Project Zomboid Server (/docs/project-zomboid/sleep-time-settings)



Controlling how time works on your server affects pacing and the overall experience. This guide covers sleep, time, and pause settings.

Time Settings [#time-settings]

Edit `Zomboid/Server/[servername]_SandboxVars.lua`:

| Setting       | Default | Description                                              |
| ------------- | ------- | -------------------------------------------------------- |
| `DayLength`   | 1       | Day length (1=15 min, 2=30 min, 3=1 hr, 4=2 hr, etc.)    |
| `NightLength` | 1       | Night length (1=Short, 2=Normal, 3=Long, 4=Always Night) |
| `StartMonth`  | 7       | Month the game starts (1–12)                             |
| `StartDay`    | 1       | Day of the month to start                                |
| `StartTime`   | 2       | Starting time of day                                     |

Pause When Empty [#pause-when-empty]

When no players are online, you can pause the server to freeze time progression:

Edit `Zomboid/Server/[servername].ini`:

```ini title="[servername].ini"
PauseEmpty=true
```

This prevents zombies from moving, time from passing, and resources from being used when nobody is playing. **Highly recommended** for all servers.

Sleep Settings [#sleep-settings]

| Setting        | Location | Description                       |
| -------------- | -------- | --------------------------------- |
| `SleepAllowed` | .ini     | Allow players to sleep            |
| `SleepNeeded`  | .ini     | Require sleep for character needs |

```ini title="[servername].ini"
SleepAllowed=true
SleepNeeded=false
```

> 📝 **Note:** In multiplayer, sleeping fast-forwards time for the sleeping player but doesn't affect the server clock. Other players continue in real-time.

Common Configurations [#common-configurations]

**Casual (no sleep needed):**

```ini
SleepAllowed=true
SleepNeeded=false
```

**Realistic (sleep required):**

```ini
SleepAllowed=true
SleepNeeded=true
```

**No sleeping at all:**

```ini
SleepAllowed=false
SleepNeeded=false
```

Related Guides [#related-guides]

See also: [Sandbox Settings](/docs/project-zomboid/sandbox-settings) | [Performance Guide](/docs/project-zomboid/performance-guide) | [Configure Your Server](/docs/project-zomboid/server-config)

If you need help, join our [Discord](https://discord.xgamingserver.com/).