count sheep



count sheep

1. To perform any repetitive or monotonous thought exercise as a means of calming the mind to try to fall asleep (such as the traditional sleep aid of counting imaginary sheep). Whenever I go to bed with a racing mind, I make myself count sheep until I drift off to sleep.
2. By extension, to be kept awake at night or experience insomnia. Usually used in the continuous form. After I lost my job, I was up counting sheep all night, trying to figure out how I'd make ends meet.
See also: count, sheep

Common Names:

NameGenderPronouncedUsage
Giulianajoo-LYAH-nahItalian
Nuru-Eastern African, Swahili
Valentinavah-len-TEE-nah (Italian), vah-lyen-TEE-nah (Russian), vah-leen-TEE-nah (Russian)Italian, Russian, Slovene, Croatian, Macedonian, Romanian, Spanish, Ancient Roman
Giacomina-Italian
Iodocus-Ancient Celtic (Latinized)
AndiAN-deeEnglish