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sleep pressure

American  
[sleep presh-er] / ˈslip ˈprɛʃ ər /

noun

sleep pressures plural
  1. the physiological need to sleep, increasing in intensity the longer someone is awake.


Other Word Forms

Noun Inflected Forms

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

See Examples For:

Even though physiological signs of sleep pressure gradually decreased, participants reported that their sleep felt deeper as time went on.

From Science Daily Mar. 26, 2026

“Increased homeostatic sleep pressure could combine with dull proceedings and/or a sense of confidence and safe surroundings to reduce vigilance and allow sleepiness to win.”

From Slate Apr. 29, 2024

"The younger we are, the shorter amount of time it takes for that sleep pressure to build."

From Salon May 12, 2023

As a result, caffeine works to temporarily suppress sleep pressure, making us feel more awake.

From Seattle Times Sep. 13, 2021

The most effective treatment for insomnia is a better understanding of sleep physiology, notably restricting sleep to increase sleep pressure and break the vicious circle.

From Nature Feb. 26, 2018

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