dog-sleep
Definition
Noun: A light, restless, or easily interrupted sleep; a state of sleeping that is not deep and can be broken by the slightest noise or disturbance. The term is derived from the observation that dogs often sleep lightly, ready to wake at any moment.
Usage Examples
- (A light, disturbed sleep.)
- (A restless sleep.)
- (Easily interrupted sleep.)
Advanced Usage
- "to take a dog-sleep": to have a brief, light nap.
- He took a dog-sleep between meetings, but it was not refreshing. (A short, light nap.)
- "in a dog-sleep": describing the state of being in such a sleep.
- She was in a dog-sleep, so the doorbell woke her immediately. (In a light sleep state.)
Variants and Related Words
- Dozing (n): light sleep, often similar to dog-sleep.
- The baby was dozing, but any noise startled her. (Light sleep.)
- Catnap (n): a short, light sleep (similar concept, but not identical).
- He took a catnap during the flight. (A brief sleep.)
Synonyms
- Light sleep: sleep that is easily broken.
- Restless sleep: sleep disturbed by movement or noise.
- Fitful sleep: sleep interrupted by frequent waking.
- Shallow sleep: sleep that lacks depth.
Related Idioms
- Sleep like a log: to sleep very deeply (the opposite of dog-sleep).
- He slept like a log, undisturbed by the storm. (Deep, sound sleep.)
- Sleep with one eye open: to sleep lightly and remain alert.
- In the dangerous area, he slept with one eye open. (Stayed alert while sleeping.)