sleep
To rest your body and mind by closing your eyes and becoming unconscious for a period of time. This natural state allows the body to recover and maintain health.
Examples
3 of 5I sleep for eight hours every night to feel fresh.
I sleep for eight hours every night to feel fresh.
It is recommended that patients sleep at least seven hours before surgery.
It is recommended that patients sleep at least seven hours before surgery.
I'm so tired, I think I'm going to sleep right now.
I'm so tired, I think I'm going to sleep right now.
Word Family
Memory Tip
Think of the two 'e's in 'sleep' as two closed eyes resting.
Quick Quiz
I am very tired because I didn't ___ well last night.
Correct!
The correct answer is: sleep
Examples
I sleep for eight hours every night to feel fresh.
everydayI sleep for eight hours every night to feel fresh.
It is recommended that patients sleep at least seven hours before surgery.
formalIt is recommended that patients sleep at least seven hours before surgery.
I'm so tired, I think I'm going to sleep right now.
informalI'm so tired, I think I'm going to sleep right now.
The study observes how children sleep during different growth phases.
academicThe study observes how children sleep during different growth phases.
Employees who sleep well are generally more productive during work hours.
businessEmployees who sleep well are generally more productive during work hours.
Word Family
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
sleep like a log
to sleep very deeply
sleep on it
to wait until the next day to make a decision
lose sleep over something
to worry about something a lot
Often Confused With
'Sleep' is a verb or noun, whereas 'asleep' is an adjective describing the state of sleeping (e.g., 'He is asleep').
A 'nap' specifically refers to a very short period of sleep, usually during the day.
Usage Notes
Sleep is an irregular verb (sleep, slept, slept). It is usually used as an intransitive verb, meaning it does not take a direct object.
Common Mistakes
Beginners often say 'I am sleep' when they mean 'I am sleepy' (tired) or 'I am sleeping' (the action).
Memory Tip
Think of the two 'e's in 'sleep' as two closed eyes resting.
Word Origin
From the Old English 'slæpan', which comes from a Germanic root meaning to be slack or loose.
Grammar Patterns
Cultural Context
In many modern cultures, an 8-hour sleep cycle is considered the standard for a healthy lifestyle.
Quick Quiz
I am very tired because I didn't ___ well last night.
Correct!
The correct answer is: sleep
Related Grammar Rules
Related Phrases
Related Vocabulary
A physical or mental state of feeling like you have no energ...
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bedA piece of furniture that you sleep on, typically consisting...
pillowA pillow is a soft, rectangular object used to support the h...
dreamA dream is a series of images, thoughts, or feelings that ha...
insomniaInsomnia is a medical condition where a person finds it very...
More Health words
head
A1The upper part of the human body that contains the brain, eyes, ears, nose, and mouth. It is supported by the neck and is the center for the senses and thinking.
ear
A1The ear is the organ on the side of the head that humans and animals use to hear sounds. It also helps the body maintain its sense of balance.
mouth
A1The opening in the lower part of the human face, surrounded by the lips, through which food is taken in and sounds and speech are emitted. It contains the teeth and the tongue and is the beginning of the digestive tract.
tooth
A1A tooth is one of the hard, white objects in your mouth used for biting and chewing food. Humans have two sets of teeth during their lives: primary (baby) teeth and permanent (adult) teeth.
shoulder
A1The shoulder is the part of the human body where the arm connects to the trunk. It consists of a large joint that allows the arm to rotate and move in many directions.
finger
A1One of the five long, thin parts at the end of the human hand. Fingers are used for feeling, touching, and gripping objects.
stomach
A1The organ in your body where food goes after you eat it to be broken down. It is also the front part of your body below the chest and above the legs.
leg
A1A leg is one of the long parts of the body that humans and animals use for standing, walking, and running. It refers to the entire limb starting from the hip down to the ankle.
foot
A1The foot is the part of the body at the bottom of the leg that a person stands on. It is used for balance, walking, running, and jumping.
toe
A1A toe is one of the five separate parts at the end of the human foot. They help provide balance and support the weight of the body while standing or walking.
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