Counting SheepĬounting sleep is a mantra that could help people to fall asleep. Today, you still hear people saying “I’m going to hit the hay”, meaning that you’re going to bed.Įxample: “I’m feeling tired, I’m going to hit the hay early tonight.” 5. It may be a little uncomfortable, but at least it’s squishy and better than sleeping on the floor. Instead, they would often sleep on piles of hay. Hundreds of years ago people didn’t have the nice comfortable spring beds we enjoy today. So, to “catch Zs” is an idiomatic expression meaning to get some sleep.Įxample: “Joe’s in the bedroom catching some Zs.” 4. When we look at cartoons of people snoring, there are often ZZZ’s written above their head to indicate the snore. They might be able to get to have a nap for 30 minutes between dropping their kids off at school and going to work, for example.Įxample: “I’m so tired I might just steal some sleep on my lunch break.” 3. People talk about stealing sleep when they don’t have much time in their day. You steal sleep when you get a short nap between tasks.

You could imagine that this expression comes from the idea that when someone (maybe they’re sitting up) starts to fall asleep their chin drops to their chest, making the process of falling asleep look like a nod.Įxample: “Looks like dad is nodding off while watching the football again.” 2.

Read Also: A List of Dream Metaphors and Idioms List of Expressions for Going to Sleep 1.

Get some sleep langy you look tired