Learn
Watch & LearnLearning Paths
Daily EnglishSocial EnglishProfessional EnglishVOA English
Words and Their StoriesLearning Expressions with VOA
Processed with VS1Learn everyday ways to describe a short nap, going to bed, falling asleep, or having a restless night.
VOA source audio
Source: VOA Learning English · Words and Their Stories
View original article & transcriptA “cat nap” is a short, relaxed rest; a “power nap” is a brief nap taken with the aim of feeling more alert. “Get some shut-eye” or “catch some z’s” means sleep, while “nod off” means fall asleep unintentionally. To “turn in,” “hit the hay,” or “crash” is to go to bed; “out like a light” means falling asleep very quickly. This lesson avoids phrases about worrying or decisions that already have a separate page.
Cultural note: These are conversational expressions, not medical guidance about sleep needs or naps. “Crash” is informal and may be misunderstood as a vehicle accident in other contexts. The article’s explanation of “hit the sack” as a phrase origin is reported as a historical account, not established fact.
Keep exploringFrom a quick nap to turning in for the night, English has different phrases for different kinds of rest.
Phrase guide · 7 expressions
Original explanations and examples, created for learners. Save a card for later or hear the phrase spoken by your browser.
Compare expressions for a brief daytime sleep.
Meaning
A short, usually relaxed period of sleep.
Tone & use
Informal. It often suggests an unplanned or comfortable rest rather than a full night’s sleep.
Example
“I took a cat nap on the train and woke up just before my stop.”
Meaning
A brief nap taken during the day, often with the aim of regaining alertness.
Tone & use
Common in casual and workplace conversation; it describes the purpose of the nap, not a guaranteed result.
Example
“After lunch, he took a short power nap before returning to the afternoon workshop.”
Describe dozing off when you meant to stay awake.
Meaning
Fall asleep unintentionally, often while sitting.
Tone & use
Informal. It can describe someone becoming drowsy during a quiet activity.
Example
“I nodded off during the long bus ride after a busy day.”
Recognize casual phrases for ending the day and going to sleep.
Meaning
Get some sleep.
Tone & use
Informal and often used when someone is tired or needs to rest.
Example
“We should finish packing now so we can get some shut-eye before the early flight.”
Meaning
Go to bed for the night.
Tone & use
Informal and conversational. “Hit the sack” is a similar phrase; the source’s proposed origin for “sack” is uncertain.
Example
“I have an early shift, so I’m going to hit the hay.”
Meaning
Fall asleep very quickly.
Tone & use
Informal and often humorous or exaggerated; it describes falling asleep, not how well someone slept afterward.
Example
“After the long hike, she was out like a light before the film ended.”
Talk about not falling asleep easily or moving repeatedly during the night.
Meaning
Move restlessly in bed, often because you cannot sleep comfortably.
Tone & use
Common and figurative; it can describe one difficult night without implying a medical condition.
Example
“I tossed and turned before the interview, then felt better after I wrote down my questions.”
Knowledge check
Choose the expression that best fits each situation.
Try it · Choose the best expression
1 of 3