interrupted sleep

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "interrupted sleep" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe sleep that is frequently disturbed or broken, often leading to feelings of fatigue or unrest. Example: "After several nights of interrupted sleep, I felt exhausted and unable to concentrate during the day."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Menopausal symptoms include hot flushes, interrupted sleep and mood swings.

The Guardian

Many reported sleep problems such as sleep apnea, daytime fatigue, insomnia, and restless or interrupted sleep.

Harvard University

A night of lousy, interrupted sleep, he points out, is easy to remember.

The New York Times - Magazine

She speculates that there may even be an evolutionary advantage to interrupted sleep.

The New York Times - Health

Knowing that interrupted sleep increases the risk of delirium, the I.C.U.

The New York Times

In particular, interrupted sleep affected energy levels and "feelings of sympathy and friendliness".

Independent

At best, it leads to interrupted sleep and long waits for the bathroom; at worst, to explosions of violence.

The New York Times

Mr Finan said this is important as interrupted sleep is something often experienced by new parents and on-call workers.

Independent

In the land of Cheerios, dirty diapers, fleeting naps and interrupted sleep, other mothers are a lifeline.

The New York Times - Books

Another cause of long sleep is obstructive sleep apnea, which is marked by interrupted sleep, snoring and pauses in breathing during sleep, and a drop in oxygen levels.

The Washington Post

He rode the rails southward on a voyage that had the fitful logic of interrupted sleep: suns set and suns rose.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing the effects of "interrupted sleep", be specific about the consequences, such as reduced cognitive function, mood changes, or physical fatigue.

Common error

Avoid attributing "interrupted sleep" to a single cause without proper investigation. Multiple factors, from environmental disturbances to underlying health conditions, can contribute to the problem.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "interrupted sleep" functions primarily as a noun phrase, where "interrupted" acts as an adjective modifying the noun "sleep". Ludwig AI confirms its common usage across various domains.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

49%

Science

42%

Academia

9%

Less common in

Wiki

1%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "interrupted sleep" is a grammatically sound and frequently used term that describes sleep patterns characterized by frequent disturbances. As shown by Ludwig, its applications span various contexts, including news, scientific research, and academic discussions. While semantically related alternatives like "disturbed sleep" or "broken sleep" exist, the core meaning remains consistent: a non-continuous, fragmented sleep experience. A key writing tip involves specifying the consequences of "interrupted sleep", such as reduced cognitive function or mood changes. The analysis underscores the phrase's broad applicability and importance in conveying the impact of fragmented sleep patterns.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

disturbed sleep

Focuses on the disturbance of sleep, rather than the breaks.

broken sleep

Emphasizes the fragmented nature of sleep.

fragmented sleep

Highlights the discontinuous aspect of sleep.

disrupted sleep patterns

Refers to irregularities in one's usual sleep schedule.

fitful sleep

Suggests restless and uneasy sleep.

restless sleep

Indicates an inability to remain still during sleep.

light sleep

Describes sleep that is easily disturbed.

poor sleep quality

A broader term encompassing various sleep problems.

erratic sleep

Implies unpredictable sleep patterns.

unsettled sleep

Suggests a lack of peacefulness during sleep.

FAQs

How does "interrupted sleep" affect daily life?

"Interrupted sleep" can lead to daytime fatigue, difficulty concentrating, mood swings, and increased risk of accidents. It can also exacerbate existing health conditions.

What are common causes of "interrupted sleep"?

Common causes include sleep disorders like sleep apnea, lifestyle factors like caffeine intake or screen time before bed, environmental factors like noise or light, and medical conditions or medications.

What can I say instead of "interrupted sleep"?

You can use alternatives like "disturbed sleep", "broken sleep", or "fragmented sleep" depending on the context.

How is "interrupted sleep" different from insomnia?

"Interrupted sleep" refers to frequent awakenings during the night, while insomnia encompasses difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep, or both. Insomnia often results in "interrupted sleep", but "interrupted sleep" can also occur independently of insomnia.