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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Recent Examples of sleepiness
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
Throughout the day, adenosine gradually accumulates as a byproduct of brain activity, increasing feelings of sleepiness by inhibiting wake-promoting regions such as the basal forebrain.
—Samantha Agate, Sacbee.com, 5 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
Other possibilities include another severe sleep disorder called idiosyncratic hypersomnia, as well as other conditions where people experience sleepiness or executive function problems during the day and poor sleep at night, Lilly CEO Dave Ricks said in an interview with CNBC.
—Angelica Peebles, CNBC, 31 Mar. 2026
What’s more, by helping to maintain neutral cervical positioning, posture-supporting pillows may help improve sleep comfort and reduce waking symptoms such as tension headaches and daytime sleepiness, as Tara Phaff, DPT explains.
—Kristine Thomason, Vogue, 25 Mar. 2026
Symptoms include decreased urination, dry mouth and throat, feeling dizzy when standing up, crying with few or no tears, and unusual sleepiness or fussiness.
—Michele Laufik, Martha Stewart, 10 Mar. 2026
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
Throughout the day, adenosine gradually accumulates as a byproduct of brain activity, increasing feelings of sleepiness by inhibiting wake-promoting regions such as the basal forebrain.
—Samantha Agate, Sacbee.com, 5 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
Other possibilities include another severe sleep disorder called idiosyncratic hypersomnia, as well as other conditions where people experience sleepiness or executive function problems during the day and poor sleep at night, Lilly CEO Dave Ricks said in an interview with CNBC.
—Angelica Peebles, CNBC, 31 Mar. 2026
What’s more, by helping to maintain neutral cervical positioning, posture-supporting pillows may help improve sleep comfort and reduce waking symptoms such as tension headaches and daytime sleepiness, as Tara Phaff, DPT explains.
—Kristine Thomason, Vogue, 25 Mar. 2026
Symptoms include decreased urination, dry mouth and throat, feeling dizzy when standing up, crying with few or no tears, and unusual sleepiness or fussiness.
—Michele Laufik, Martha Stewart, 10 Mar. 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sleepiness
Noun
-
Using several sedating products together can cause more drowsiness, dizziness, or tiredness the next day.—
Mira Miller,
Verywell Health,
29 Apr. 2026
-
The practical effect is a calmer, less reactive brain at bedtime, without any drowsiness.—
Allison Palmer,
Fort Worth Star-Telegram,
23 Apr. 2026
Noun
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Symptoms start one to eight weeks after exposure and initially can include fatigue, fever and muscle aches, according to the CDC.—
Allison Kiehl,
Chicago Tribune,
9 May 2026
-
Snell has been on the IL since late March with left shoulder fatigue.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
9 May 2026
Noun
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The Host Ready app includes practical information on topics such as food, religion, general background, sleeping and meal schedules.—
Janice Phelan,
Kansas City Star,
7 May 2026
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Basic units start at just $35 a night for travelers with their own sleeping gear, while furnished options—complete with fresh linens and a small fridge—range from $55 to $60.—
Michael d'Estries,
Travel + Leisure,
6 May 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 12 May. 2026.
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