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
In the study, people who reported excessive daytime sleepiness had higher odds of hypertension than those who didn’t.
—
Zoe Cunniffe, Health, 18 June 2026
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
Zoe Cunniffe, Health, 18 June 2026
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
Recent Examples of Synonyms for sleepiness
Noun
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It is also known to cause side effects, including drowsiness, sedation and dizziness.—
Mary Walrath-Holdridge,
USA Today,
12 June 2026
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Symptoms of diphenhydramine poisoning can include extreme drowsiness, agitation, hallucinations, seizures, dangerous heart rhythm problems and loss of consciousness, according to the advisory.—
Youri Benadjaoud,
ABC News,
11 June 2026
Noun
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Their soft, breathable and moisture-wicking socks are designed to help improve circulation, reduce swelling and relieve aches and fatigue throughout the day.—
ABC News,
ABC News,
20 June 2026
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Experiencing symptoms of a fever, fatigue, headache, rash and loss of consciousness, the person was hospitalized for over two weeks, when officials determined the patient was suffering from an infection borne by the Rickettsia lanei pathogen.—
Reeti Malhotra,
Sacbee.com,
20 June 2026
Noun
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Meanwhile, a decline in sudden infant death syndrome could be connected to an increase in education about safe sleeping for infants, Warren said in a statement.—
Mike Stobbe,
Los Angeles Times,
22 June 2026
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This space houses a stone alcove bed, additional sleeping space, a generous kitchen, and a beautiful bathroom of stone and cocciopesto.—
Lucrezia Worthington,
Condé Nast Traveler,
21 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 23 Jun. 2026.
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