What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
sleepless
Example
I had a sleepless night due to the noise outside. [sleepless: adjective]
Example
She tossed and turned all night, sleepless and anxious. [sleepless: adverb]
wakeful
Example
The baby was wakeful all night, crying and fussing. [wakeful: adjective]
Example
He lay in bed, wakeful and restless, unable to fall asleep. [wakeful: adverb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Sleepless is more commonly used than wakeful in everyday language, especially when referring to a specific night without sleep. Wakeful is less common but can be used to describe a more general state of being unable to sleep.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between sleepless and wakeful?
Both sleepless and wakeful are relatively informal words and can be used in casual conversation or writing.
