03/11/2011
Sleep, that essential, restorative process, has woven itself deeply into the fabric of our language. We use countless phrases and idioms to describe our nightly slumber, our struggles to fall asleep, and the very nature of dreams. These expressions, often uttered without a second thought, carry with them a rich history, often rooted in ancient beliefs, folklore, and observations of the natural world. This article delves into the origins and meanings of some of the most common and intriguing English expressions associated with sleep, offering a glimpse into how our ancestors perceived and articulated this fundamental human experience.
Animal Antics and Slumber
Our animal kingdom provides a wealth of inspiration for describing sleep. From the seemingly peaceful to the profoundly dormant, creatures great and small have lent their characteristics to our nocturnal vocabulary. Let's explore some of these animal-inspired phrases:
Counting Sheep
The ubiquitous advice to 'count sheep' when struggling to fall asleep has its origins in medieval Britain. During this era, shepherds would meticulously count their flocks after a day of grazing on communal pastures. Ensuring every single sheep was accounted for before nightfall was a crucial task. This practice evolved into the modern suggestion for insomniacs, a mental exercise intended to lull the mind into a state of calm. However, modern research from institutions like Oxford suggests that such cognitive activities might be counterproductive. Instead, visualising a serene landscape, such as the seaside, may be a more effective method for achieving restful sleep.
Sleeping Like a Dormouse
The expression 'sleeping like a dormouse' refers to the remarkable hibernating habits of this small mammal. Dormice are known to hibernate for up to seven months a year, remaining largely self-sufficient throughout their extended winter slumber. While humans obviously do not hibernate for such prolonged periods, this phrase signifies a state of deep, undisturbed sleep. When someone is 'sleeping like a dormouse,' they are profoundly asleep and unlikely to be easily awakened.
Going to Bed with the Chickens
Another phrase drawing from our feathered friends is 'going to bed with the chickens.' Chickens are creatures of habit, closely attuned to the rising and setting of the sun, typically returning to their roosts before dusk. To say someone 'goes to bed with the chickens' is a light-hearted and often teasing observation that they retire for the night at a very early hour. It implies an early bedtime, aligning with the natural rhythms of these diurnal birds.
Mythical Figures and the Land of Nod
Beyond the observable world, our sleep is also populated by mythical characters and fantastical beings who, according to legend, influence our dreams and our ability to fall asleep.
The Sandman Has Been
The concept of the Sandman, a figure who brings sleep, has a long and storied history, predating even popular children's television shows. The earliest recorded mention of this character can be found in the 17th century, in the writings of Antoine Furetière. He alluded to a small man who sprinkled sand into children's eyes to induce sleep. The association with sleep solidified over the following century, particularly through German and English folklore, where the 'Sandmann' was depicted as a benevolent figure who would sprinkle tiny, slightly irritating grains of sand into the eyes of sleeping children, a signal of imminent slumber. In common parlance, the phrase 'the Sandman has been' or simply 'the Sandman' implies that a child (or even an adult) is ready for bed, often when they start to rub their eyes, a natural sign of drowsiness.
Falling into the Arms of Morpheus
The evocative phrase 'falling into the arms of Morpheus' has its roots in ancient Greek mythology. Morpheus, the god of dreams, was the son of Hypnos, the god of sleep, and Nyx, the goddess of night. Legend has it that Morpheus could move silently on his butterfly-like wings, influencing the dreams of mortals. He was said to carry poppy flowers, which aided in inducing sleep. Artists in the 18th century often depicted Morpheus as female, though these were artistic interpretations. To 'fall into the arms of Morpheus' means to succumb to a deep and restorative sleep, entering the realm of dreams.
Unusual Adages About Nightly Activities
The night, and our activities within it, have also given rise to some rather peculiar yet insightful proverbs and sayings.
The Night Brings Counsel
The expression 'the night brings counsel' (or its French equivalent, 'la nuit porte conseil') suggests that sleeping on a problem can lead to better decision-making. This sentiment was echoed as early as antiquity with the proverb 'the night is the mother of counsel.' George Sand's novel in 1844 also references this nocturnal wisdom. The underlying idea is that taking a break, sleeping, and allowing the mind to process information can provide clarity and lead to more informed choices. Indeed, scientific research supports the notion that sleep plays a crucial role in decision-making processes.
Sleeping on Both Ears
The curious image of 'sleeping on both ears' is a figurative expression that conveys a sense of complete peace and lack of worry. The French Academy has traced this idiom back to a letter written in 1832 by Prosper Mérimée to Stendhal, where he advises the recipient to 'be at peace and sleep on both ears.' The meaning is clear: one can sleep soundly and without any anxieties or concerns.
The bed, the very vessel of our sleep, also features prominently in common expressions, often carrying metaphorical weight.
As You Make Your Bed, So You Must Lie
The metaphor 'as you make your bed, so you must lie' suggests a direct correlation between one's preparation and the outcome. In the context of sleep, it can be interpreted as the importance of preparing your bed for comfort and rest. More broadly, however, it aligns with the adage 'you reap what you sow,' highlighting personal responsibility for one's actions and their consequences. Making your bed properly, in both a literal and figurative sense, leads to a more comfortable and satisfactory result.
Getting into a Fine Mess
The idiom 'getting into a fine mess' (or 'se mettre dans de beaux draps' in French) has its origins in the Middle Ages. During that period, the word 'draps' referred not only to bedding but also to clothing. Individuals who had committed a wrongdoing or were accused of a dishonourable act would often wear white garments. This stark white colour was intended to highlight the 'darkness' or guilt of the wearer. Today, 'being in a fine mess' signifies finding oneself in a problematic or difficult situation.
As White as a Sheet
The expression 'as white as a sheet' dates back to at least 1779, with written records found in the Bibliothèque Nationale de France. The stark whiteness of sheets at the time served as a powerful visual comparison. An author described a pale child as being 'as white as a sheet.' This allusion to the very light fabric signifies extreme pallor, often associated with fear, strong emotions, or illness. The colour of the linen, meant to be clean and bright, starkly contrasts with the unhealthy pallor of the person described.
Conclusion
The language we use to describe sleep is as varied and fascinating as sleep itself. From the ancient myths of Morpheus to the everyday observations of farm animals, our expressions reveal a deep-seated human connection to our nightly rest. These phrases, woven into the tapestry of our language, not only add colour and character to our conversations but also offer a window into the historical and cultural perceptions of sleep. So, the next time you find yourself 'counting sheep' or 'falling into the arms of Morpheus,' take a moment to appreciate the rich history behind these familiar words, and perhaps enjoy a truly restful night, with your head in the stars but your body nestled comfortably in your favourite pillow.
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