sleeping tablet
Học thuậtThân thiện
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
- a soporific drug in the form of a pill (or tablet or capsule)