What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
narcoleptic
Example
He was diagnosed with narcolepsy and had to take medication to manage his symptoms. [narcolepsy: noun]
Example
She fell asleep during the meeting due to her narcoleptic condition. [narcoleptic: adjective]
sleepy
Example
I feel so sleepy after staying up late last night. [sleepy: adjective]
Example
He looked sleepy and yawned several times during the lecture. [sleepy: adjective]
Example
The warm and cozy atmosphere of the bedroom made her feel sleepy. [sleepy: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Sleepy is a more common and versatile word that can be used in everyday language, while narcoleptic is a less common and more technical term that is mainly used in medical or scientific contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between narcoleptic and sleepy?
Narcoleptic is a more formal and technical term than sleepy, which is more casual and informal.