Everybody loves a good sleep

Why do we “sleep tight”? 12 sleep-related idioms explained

Have you ever uttered the words "sleep tight" or "hit the hay" before going to bed? These phrases have existed for ages, but their meanings and origins are not always apparent. Some are directly related to sleeping, while others are metaphors for entirely different things. Take a look at 12 of these idioms. Do you use any of them?

"Sleep tight" is a phrase most people know from the bedtime verse: "Sleep tight, don’t let the bedbugs bite". It’s often claimed to come from the old practice of tightly tying ropes on bed frames to keep mattresses firm and comfortable. This helped prevent sagging and made for a better night’s sleep.

In older English, "tight" simply meant "soundly" or "well", making "sleep tight" a wish for a good night’s sleep.

"Hit the hay" dates back to the late 19th or early 20th century and is often linked to the practice of stuffing hay into sacks or mattresses for sleeping, which is also commonly cited as an explanation for the phrase "hit the sack."

Another theory suggests that farm workers sometimes slept directly in haystacks, making "hay" a stand-in for "bed." Because "hit the hay" appears in print slightly earlier than "hit the sack," some believe it may have come first.

Anyone who has had a newborn knows how strange the phrase "sleep like a baby" sounds: babies wake up often and cry! Yet, the idiom means to sleep peacefully and deeply.

The idea is that when babies do sleep, they’re completely at ease, with no worries to disturb them. That peaceful, undisturbed state is what the phrase refers to, even if it doesn’t match the full reality.

"Let sleeping dogs lie" might sound odd at first, but its meaning becomes clear with a bit of explanation. It’s a warning to leave past issues alone, especially sensitive ones.

The phrase compares old disputes to sleeping dogs: if you wake them, they might react aggressively. Similarly, revisiting old problems can stir up trouble best left alone.

A "catnap" is a short, light nap, usually under 30 minutes, during which you do not enter deep sleep. Studies suggest that even a 10-minute nap can be refreshing, sometimes nearly as effective as a longer one, though the ideal length varies by person.

The term comes from cats’ daytime sleep habits. Since wild cats had to stay alert for danger, they took quick, light naps. Today’s cats do the same, snoozing lightly throughout the day, just like a good catnap.

"Waking up on the wrong side of the bed" means starting the day in a bad mood. The phrase comes from an old Roman superstition.

Romans, including Augustus Caesar, believed getting up on the left, or sinister, side brought bad luck. As a result, the "wrong side" was more than just a bad mood starter; it was thought to be a bad omen.

To "sleep like a log" means to sleep deeply and without moving, like a heavy log lying still. It’s a common way to describe a peaceful, undisturbed night.

The origin of the phrase is unclear, but some link it to lumberjacks who slept soundly after hard work. Others connect it to the similarity between snoring and the sound of sawing.

"Counting sheep" means imagining sheep jumping over a fence, one by one, to help you fall asleep. It’s a classic mental trick to quiet the mind.

The phrase likely comes from shepherds who counted their flocks at night to ensure none were missing, a repetitive and calming routine before bed.

The idiom "to lose sleep over something" means to worry about something to the point that it becomes difficult to sleep, or to be so concerned that it disrupts one’s rest.

While the exact origin of the phrase is difficult to pinpoint, it likely evolved from the idea that intense worry and stress can interfere with the body's natural sleep cycle.

To "do something in your sleep" means to do something very easily and effortlessly, usually because you have done it so many times that it's become second nature. It's a metaphorical way of saying that you are so proficient at a task that you don't even have to think about it, as if you could do it while unconscious.

"Sleep with one eye open" means staying alert or cautious, especially in risky situations. It suggests being ready for trouble, even while resting.

The phrase is often linked to animals such as dolphins and certain birds that can literally sleep with part of their brain awake to remain safe.

To "sleep around the clock" means to sleep for many hours without waking. It often happens when you're exhausted or feeling unwell. It’s a way in which the body tries to recover energy.

Planning your next adventure

Ultimate survival guide: The 10 essentials of hiking

Image: Toomas Tartes

Walking in the outdoors is excellent for our physical and mental health. And in the United States we have wonderful landscapes to make the most of this unique sport. However, while hiking is a very popular activity, it is not always practiced properly. Whether you plan to visit a National Park, venture into the woods, or explore bear country, it's best to prepare accordingly. Here are 10 pro tips to keep in mind when going hiking.

Image: Sandra Seitamaa

If you've never hiked or camped before, don't worry, it's never too late! The best thing you can do is start slowly. First, find a path near your house and do small hikes every day. Once you realize how much you love getting your body moving, choose a place you've always wanted to visit. If nothing comes to mind, go through an atlas or a book on hiking to pick the perfect place for a new adventure.

Next, you can start proper training and even join a local hiking club to learn the ropes and meet new people. Finding a buddy to share the experience with can make all the difference, —trust us, conversation helps make training more enjoyable. Now that you're all set, it's time to get ready!

Image: maxmann

Packing is probably the most important thing when you go hiking. It’s where all starts and doing it properly can make the whole trip a success or a failure. First, lay out everything you think you'll need and strategize from there. Big items go first, but remember, try to keep weight as low as possible. For example, look at the amount of clothing you plan to bring, then cut it in half. It's not a wilderness experience otherwise!

If space becomes a problem, you can get some compression sacks for slimming down puffy items, like sleeping bags or outerwear. You can also deflate dry-food packs with a pin and cover the hole with tape. Finally, put survival items in the front of the pack for fast emergency access.

Image: Pixabay

On the trail, adequate shoes make all the difference. Many people get blisters or other ailments just for choosing the wrong shoes. The best way to avoid these issues is to prepare. For starters, find shoes that are comfortable and right for your feet type. Don't order your next pair online, it’s better to visit a retail store and try on multiple pairs.

Socks are as important as shoes. Choose synthetic or wool socks that absorb moisture better for long days in the outdoors. The insoles that come in boots may not be a very good fit for your foot. The more cost-effective solution is to replace them with better ones. Also, always pack up some moleskin, duct tape, or other first-aid implements, just in case. Finally, remember to tie your boots correctly to prevent rubbing and you are good to go!

Image: Baihaki Hine

Setting up a campsite is not hard if you take some key steps. First, find a site 200 feet from a lake or a stream and choose durable surfaces whenever possible. Spend extra time searching out a sheltered location to avoid the wind. Also, look up to make sure no dead trees or branches threaten to fall on your site.

Once you’ve found the perfect spot, wait until the winds die down —often at sunset— to pitch your tent. If you can, orient the door to the east for early sun and place your tent so the smallest side faces the wind. Secure and anchor your tent properly with nylon cords and stakes and you’ll be ready to spend the night in the open.

Image: Iren Polishchuk

Where campfires are allowed, it's important to know how to build —and put out— flames properly. First of all, find fuel: an armload of twigs and sticks will get the fire going. Search for dry wood under driftwood piles. If necessary, shave off the wet bark.

The next step is to make a pit. Choose a safe place and dig a small pit surrounded by wind-breaking rocks. Place a firestarter —for example, cotton balls, egg cartons, or wine corks— on a bed of sticks leaving gaps for air to fuel the flames. Place a fist-size stack of wood shavings, twigs, and paper over your fire starter and light it up. Carefully supply larger sticks and blow on them gently to fan the flames.

Before leaving the campsite, remember to put out the fire. Use water and mix the ashes and embers with soil. Make sure it’s completely out: if it’s too hot to touch, it’s too hot to leave.

Image: ArtHouse Studio

Like wine to the gods, water is the nectar of hikers. But, how to stay hydrated during long exercise hours in the outdoors? Start the day with plenty of liquid. While you sleep, you lose as much as 1.5 pounds of fluid through sweat and respiration. In the morning, replenish with 16 to 24 ounces of water.

While trekking, don’t wait till you are dead thirsty to drink water. Instead, sip 4 to 6 ounces of liquid every 20 minutes, it'll help you feel stronger. Also, since sweat is made up of sodium and potassium, it’s important to keep an eye on electrolytes. Try to alternate water with a sports drink or munch on salty snacks. If you start feeling dizzy, have a headache, or find it difficult to concentrate, you are probably dehydrated. Set up camp: A long rest, a good meal, and lots of water will get you back on track.

Image: Diogo Tavares

If you are traveling from low to high elevation plan an extra day or two to allow your body to adjust. Avoid arriving directly to trailheads above 10,000 feet and instead plan a day hike at a lower elevation. The first couple of days try to moderate your effort. Since air is very dry at high altitudes, always stay hydrated and abstain from drinking alcohol.

Also, don't ascend more than 2,000 feet per day, and at night set camp below the highest elevation you've reached. If you develop symptoms of altitude sickness, like persistent headache, loss of appetite, fatigue, or loss of coordination, stay put. Go down if the symptoms don't improve within 24 hours.

Image: NEOM

If your hiking trip is during the summer months, you’ll have to be extra careful with the high temperatures. Always have a backup plan for your water supply and bring hard candy to suck and keep your mouth moistured.

Try to protect your body from the sun's rays. Don't wear shorts or short sleeves. Cotton clothes retain moisture better than synthetics and will keep you cooler. Wear a full-brimmed hat and extra-dark sunglasses at all times. Use sunscreen on any exposed flesh, like your face and the backs of your hands, and reapply frequently.

Don't hike during the middle of the day, when temperatures reach their peak. In open country, go from shade to shade. Move for half an hour and rest for another half. You can even hike at night and make the most of a starry sky!

Image: Andy Holmes

Let’s face it, most of North America is bear country. It’s important to take precautions when hiking near their habitats to prevent unfortunate encounters. First of all, don’t hike alone. Bears are less likely to attack groups than individuals. Also, always make noise. Given the opportunity, most bears will avoid human contact.

Storing food properly and paying attention to the terrain can give you an advantage. But even if you stay vigilant the whole time, you may come across a grizzly or a black bear. Pack bear spray or a bear bell and keep them handy. If you find yourself face to face with a bear, give it a chance to hear you and flee before their protective instincts kick in. However, if you feel you are about to be attacked, find a high tree to climb or lie face down and play dead.

Image: j.mt_photography

Forget bears, the most common and dangerous risk when hiking is a river crossing. Here's how to do it safely. Since narrow spots are deeper and faster, always cross a river at its widest point. Check your map for forks, they contain less water and are potentially easier to cross.

If you have to cross a glacial river, do it early in the day. This way, you’ll avoid the higher runoff volume that comes with afternoon melting. In fast-moving waters, cross at a slight angle, heading downstream but facing upstream. If you fall, don't panic. Remove your pack if it prevents you from getting up. If the current takes you, flip on your back and calm down. When you reach calm water, swim back to shore.