Sleep
/sliːp/noun
A natural recurring state of mind and body characterized by altered consciousness, relatively inhibited sensory activity, and inhibition of muscle activity.
Did you know?In ancient cultures, sleep was often viewed as a gateway to the spiritual realm, where dreams were seen as omens or messages from the gods.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*sleb-
“to sleep or be sleepy.”
Old English
Old English
slǣpan
“to sleep, to be asleep.”
Middle English
Middle English
sleepe
“the act of sleeping, rest.”
Modern English
English
sleep
“the state of rest or inactivity.”