lose sleep

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "lose sleep" is correct and usable in written English.
It is often used as an idiom meaning to be worried, upset, or stressed. For example, "She's been losing sleep over her performance in the upcoming play."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Don't lose sleep over it.

The New York Times - Magazine

"It's what I lose sleep over.

The New York Times

Nobody seemed to lose sleep over it.

The New York Times

It's not something I lose sleep over.

Independent

"Batterers don't lose sleep like victims do.

The New Yorker

You've got to lose sleep at night.

The New York Times

"Don't lose sleep over it," he said.

The New York Times

"I literally lose sleep over this".

The New York Times

That's what you lose sleep over.

The New York Times - Arts

Did you lose sleep over it?

The New York Times - Sports

You may lose sleep over it.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "lose sleep" when you want to convey that someone is worried or anxious about something, to the point of affecting their sleep. It's an idiomatic way to express concern.

Common error

Avoid using "lose sleep" to simply mean not sleeping. It carries a connotation of worry or stress. For example, saying "I lost sleep because I was watching a movie" is technically correct but misses the idiomatic implication.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "lose sleep" functions as an idiomatic verb phrase. It describes the state of being worried or anxious to the extent that it disrupts one's sleep. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and common usage. Examples show it used to express concern about various issues.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Academia

25%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "lose sleep" is a common and correct idiomatic expression used to convey worry or anxiety, especially when it disrupts sleep. Ludwig AI validates its grammatical correctness and prevalent usage across diverse contexts, particularly in news and media. When using the phrase, ensure it aligns with the intended meaning of expressing concern, rather than simply referring to a lack of sleep. As with idioms, context matters, but "lose sleep" remains a potent way to communicate the weight of one's worries.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

have sleepless nights

Focuses on the physical consequence of worry.

lie awake at night

Specifically refers to being unable to sleep due to worry.

stress about

A more general term for worrying, not necessarily implying sleeplessness.

worry excessively

Focuses on the intensity of worry, rather than the sleeplessness.

toss and turn

Describes the restless sleep caused by worry.

be anxious

Highlights the feeling of anxiety, a key component of losing sleep over something.

agonize over

Suggests a more intense and prolonged period of worry.

be preoccupied

Emphasizes the state of being mentally consumed by something.

be concerned about

A more formal way of expressing worry.

not get any shut-eye

An informal way of saying you didn't sleep due to worry.

FAQs

What does it mean to "lose sleep" over something?

To "lose sleep" over something means to be so worried or anxious about it that it affects your ability to sleep. It implies a significant level of concern.

How can I use "lose sleep" in a sentence?

You can say, "I "lose sleep" over the upcoming deadline", meaning you are worried about it. Or, "Don't "lose sleep" over such a small problem", advising someone not to worry.

What are some alternative phrases for "lose sleep"?

Alternatives include "worry excessively", "be anxious", or "have sleepless nights", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it grammatically correct to say "losing sleep" instead of "lose sleep"?

Yes, "losing sleep" is the present participle form and is grammatically correct in sentences like, "She's been "losing sleep" over her exams".