lapse into sleep

USAGE SUMMARY

"lapse into sleep" is a correct phrase in written English.
It is typically used to describe going from a state of wakefulness to a state of sleep. For example, "After a long day, I quickly lapsed into sleep."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

If a person is sleep-deprived, he explained, the brain will lapse into sleep at the first sedentary chance it gets -- in front of the television, at a concert or play, while driving a motor vehicle.

The New York Times - Health

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

The act of dreaming, however, changed everything: after people were allowed to lapse into R.E.M. sleep, nearly sixty per cent of them discovered the secret pattern.

The New Yorker

In a momentary lapse into real sleep, I had the briefest of dreams: I was sitting with my back against a tree, but it was nighttime, and it was raining so hard that not even the branches could protect me; water sluiced down on me each time the wind shifted, and I tried to huddle into myself, chilled like the blade of a knife that could cut me to the bone.

The New Yorker

In contrast, the cat rarely lapses into REM sleep.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Clea's test showed that she fell asleep almost immediately and quickly lapsed into R.E.M. sleep.

The New York Times

I merely considered it my duty to customise them by stretching them and pockmarking them with fag burns after I lapsed into deep sleep.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

One particular hypothesis, for example is that the boundaries between being asleep and awake may be too 'flexible' in some individuals with psychosis resulting in brief lapses into REM sleep (within which nightmares are experienced) occurring while they are awake, resulting in the experience of hallucinations during the day.

British Journal of Psychiatry

Slowly Samuel drifts into sleep.

The New Yorker

Let it drift calmly into sleep.

WikiHow

Just relax and drift off into sleep.

WikiHow

Sleeping Beauty is cursed to prick her finger on a spinning wheel and lapse into a 100-year coma.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "lapse into sleep" when you want to emphasize a gradual or unintentional transition from wakefulness to sleep, often suggesting a lack of control or a sense of inevitability.

Common error

While grammatically sound, consistently using "lapse into sleep" in formal writing can sound repetitive or overly dramatic. Consider varying your language with simpler alternatives like "fall asleep" or "go to sleep" to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "lapse into sleep" functions as a verb phrase describing the process of transitioning from wakefulness to sleep. As Ludwig AI explains, it is typically used to describe going from a state of wakefulness to a state of sleep.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Encyclopedias

15%

Wiki

9%

Less common in

Science

9%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "lapse into sleep" describes a gradual transition from wakefulness to sleep, often implying a lack of conscious control. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and commonly found in written English. While not as frequent as simpler alternatives like "fall asleep", "lapse into sleep" offers a nuanced way to express the onset of slumber, particularly in narrative or descriptive contexts. It is most prevalent in news and media sources and can add a touch of literary flair to your writing. Be mindful not to overuse it in formal contexts, where simpler alternatives may be more appropriate. Instead of "succumb to sleep" try also "drift off to sleep" for stylistic purposes.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

fall asleep

This alternative is a more common and direct way of saying someone starts sleeping.

drift off to sleep

This alternative suggests a gentle and gradual transition into sleep.

doze off

This alternative implies a light and unintentional sleep.

succumb to sleep

This alternative suggests being overpowered by the need to sleep.

enter a state of slumber

This alternative uses more formal language to describe falling asleep.

go to sleep

This is a basic and widely used way to express starting to sleep.

be overcome by sleep

This alternative emphasizes the feeling of being overwhelmed by sleepiness.

nod off

This alternative describes a quick and often involuntary descent into sleep.

sink into slumber

This phrase evokes a deeper, more restful image of falling asleep.

become unconscious

This alternative focuses on the loss of consciousness, a more general term.

FAQs

What does it mean to "lapse into sleep"?

To "lapse into sleep" means to gradually or unintentionally transition from a state of wakefulness to a state of sleep. It often suggests a lack of control or a gentle descent into slumber.

Is "lapse into sleep" the same as "fall asleep"?

While similar, "fall asleep" is a more direct and common way to describe the action of starting to sleep. "Lapse into sleep" implies a more gradual or passive transition, suggesting less control over the process.

When is it appropriate to use "lapse into sleep" in writing?

Use "lapse into sleep" when you want to emphasize the gradual or unintentional nature of falling asleep. It's suitable for descriptive writing or when portraying someone's state of exhaustion or vulnerability. Consider "drift off to sleep" when you are writing something informal.

What are some alternatives to "lapse into sleep"?

Alternatives include "fall asleep", "drift off to sleep", "doze off", or "succumb to sleep", each carrying slightly different connotations regarding the speed and intentionality of falling asleep.