Definition

Noun A small, solid dose of medicine designed to be swallowed whole, specifically formulated to induce sleep. It is a type of sedative-hypnotic drug.

Usage

A "sleeping tablet" is a medicinal pill taken orally to help a person fall asleep or stay asleep. It is typically used for short-term treatment of insomnia.

Examples

• The doctor prescribed a sleeping tablet for occasional use during periods of high stress.
• She took a sleeping tablet to help her get some rest before her long flight.
• It is not advisable to rely on sleeping tablets every night.

Advanced Usage

• The term is often used in discussions about dependency, side effects, and the difference between prescription and over-the-counter sleep aids.
• "Sleeping tablet" can be used metaphorically to describe something extremely boring or soporific.
  • That lecture was a sleeping tablet; half the audience dozed off.

Variants and Related Words

• Sleeping pill: A more common synonym with identical meaning.
• Hypnotic: A more clinical term for a sleep-inducing drug.
• Sedative: A broader term for a drug that calms or reduces anxiety, which may also induce drowsiness.

Synonyms

Sleeping pill, hypnotic, soporific, sedative.

Related Phrases

• To be on sleeping tablets: To be regularly taking such medication.
  • He has been on sleeping tablets since his surgery.
• To take a sleeping tablet: The standard phrase for the act of using the medication.
  • I had to take a sleeping tablet to switch off my racing thoughts.

Noun

1. a soporific drug in the form of a pill (or tablet or capsule)