How to sign
Sleep in ASL
Sleep draws an open hand down over the face as the fingers close, with the eyes closing too.
- Single sign
- One hand
- Handshape: Open hand closing to a flattened O
- Face
- Body Actions
How to sign sleep
- 1
Hold an open hand in front of your face, palm toward you.
- 2
Draw it down toward your chin while closing the fingers to a flattened O.
- 3
Close your eyes and tilt your head slightly as the hand comes down.
Common mistakes
- Keeping the eyes open and the head up. The face sleeps with the hand.
Use it in a sentence
English sentences you can sign with Sleep. In ASL the word order can shift and filler words drop away.
- “I want to sleep.”
Questions about “Sleep”
Yes. This clip shows the common ASL sign for sleep. Like spoken languages, ASL has regional variation, so you may see small differences from signer to signer.
Guide
Basic Phrases
The first phrases you actually use in a signed conversation: introductions, asking for help, saying you are learning, and keeping things polite. Real video for each one.
From the blog
Signing With Your Baby: First Signs, Timing, and What the Research Says
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