as in drowsiness
the quality or state of desiring or needing sleep
the truck driver keeps a thermos of coffee with him to stave off sleepiness
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Antonyms & Near Antonyms
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Recent Examples of sleepiness
Common signs include loud snoring, waking up gasping, morning headaches and daytime sleepiness that doesn’t improve with more hours in bed.
—
Allison Palmer, Sacbee.com, 18 May 2026
Shift Work Sleep Disorder, or SWSD, is the clinical name for the persistent insomnia or excessive sleepiness that lasts more than three months and is tied directly to a person’s work schedule.
—Allison Palmer, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 16 May 2026
However, sleepiness returns when the caffeine wears off.
—Ashley Olivine, Verywell Health, 11 May 2026
Researchers also observed improvements in sleep maintenance and reductions in daytime fatigue, anxiety, depression symptoms and daytime sleepiness.
—Samantha Agate, Kansas City Star, 7 May 2026
Researchers measured insomnia severity using the Insomnia Severity Index, along with sleep maintenance, daytime sleepiness, fatigue, anxiety and depression symptoms.
—Samantha Agate, Charlotte Observer, 7 May 2026
Mention any daytime symptoms, such as excessive sleepiness or headaches, and any nighttime symptoms, such as frequent urination, waking up short of breath, snoring or insomnia.
—Erika Yamazaki, The Conversation, 6 May 2026
Some over‑the‑counter products that can pose risks include certain antihistamines, commonly found in allergy and cold remedies, nighttime sleep aids, motion sickness medications, and cough syrups, which can induce sleepiness or slow down cognitive function.
—Amanda Greenwood, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 Apr. 2026
It’s shown promising results in Phase 2a clinical studies across type 1 and type 2 narcolepsy and idiopathic hypersomnia, which is another form of excessive daytime sleepiness.
—Jeff Marks, CNBC, 31 Mar. 2026
Allison Palmer, Sacbee.com, 18 May 2026
Shift Work Sleep Disorder, or SWSD, is the clinical name for the persistent insomnia or excessive sleepiness that lasts more than three months and is tied directly to a person’s work schedule.
—Allison Palmer, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 16 May 2026
However, sleepiness returns when the caffeine wears off.
—Ashley Olivine, Verywell Health, 11 May 2026
Researchers also observed improvements in sleep maintenance and reductions in daytime fatigue, anxiety, depression symptoms and daytime sleepiness.
—Samantha Agate, Kansas City Star, 7 May 2026
Researchers measured insomnia severity using the Insomnia Severity Index, along with sleep maintenance, daytime sleepiness, fatigue, anxiety and depression symptoms.
—Samantha Agate, Charlotte Observer, 7 May 2026
Mention any daytime symptoms, such as excessive sleepiness or headaches, and any nighttime symptoms, such as frequent urination, waking up short of breath, snoring or insomnia.
—Erika Yamazaki, The Conversation, 6 May 2026
Some over‑the‑counter products that can pose risks include certain antihistamines, commonly found in allergy and cold remedies, nighttime sleep aids, motion sickness medications, and cough syrups, which can induce sleepiness or slow down cognitive function.
—Amanda Greenwood, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 Apr. 2026
It’s shown promising results in Phase 2a clinical studies across type 1 and type 2 narcolepsy and idiopathic hypersomnia, which is another form of excessive daytime sleepiness.
—Jeff Marks, CNBC, 31 Mar. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sleepiness
Noun
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According to MedlinePlus, diphenhydramine use can cause a range of side effects including dry mouth, nose, and throat; drowsiness or dizziness; muscle weakness; and hyperactivity in children.—
ByShafiq Najib,
ABC News,
10 June 2026
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The devices detected increases in brain waves linked to relaxation and focus – theta, theta-alpha, alpha and beta-1 brain waves – while measuring decreases in delta and gamma-1 brain waves, which suggest less drowsiness and less mind-wandering.—
Jacqueline Howard,
CNN Money,
7 June 2026
Noun
-
The ingredient lineup champions prickly pear cactus extract, which draws moisture into the skin and provides a rich source of vitamin K to support elasticity, while Persian silk tree extract targets signs of fatigue.—
Jailynn Taylor,
Allure,
13 June 2026
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Women in their 30s and 40s experiencing persistent fatigue, mood changes, sleep disruption, irritability, anxiety or digestive issues may want to ask specifically whether perimenopause could be the underlying cause before accepting a diagnosis of anxiety, depression or a thyroid condition.—
Allison Palmer
Updated June 13,
Charlotte Observer,
13 June 2026
Noun
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Great sleeping weather Monday night as temperatures dip into the upper 50s with a starlit sky.—
Steven Sosna,
CBS News,
14 June 2026
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Two guest rooms — ideal for Kamal and Riva’s twin daughters — connect through a former sleeping porch with a fireplace and built-ins, creating flexible space for an office, hobby room or hangout area.—
David Caraccio,
Sacbee.com,
13 June 2026
Noun
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From there, the story builds on the uncertainty, rocking the somnolence of a small town in the province of Badajoz, and forcing a community to choose between disbelief and the need to prove what can’t be seen.—
Emiliano De Pablos,
Variety,
9 Feb. 2026
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The people went to the emergency department with tachycardia, confusion, anxiety or somnolence, and nausea after eating gummy candies labeled as containing Amanita muscaria mushrooms.—
Beth Mole,
Ars Technica,
19 July 2024
Cite this Entry
“Sleepiness.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sleepiness. Accessed 16 Jun. 2026.
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