sleep tight
good night, sleep tight
Meaning | Synonyms
- an affectionate way of wishing someone a good night's sleep
- sleep very well and deeply
- an adorable goodnight wish
- sleep well
Example Sentences
- I am going to bed now. Good night, sleep tight.
- Kid: “Mamma, I am feeling sleepy.” Mamma: “Good night and sleep tight honey!”
- I hope to see you in my dreams. Sleep tight!
- It's so weird that whenever you say “sleep tight” to me then that night I surely have nightmares.
- I want to come in your dreams tonight. Therefore, go to your bed early and sleep tight!
Origin
It is often said that the phrase dates back to the time when people slept on beds made of rope. If the ropes were pulled tight, then it would be more comfortable to sleep on. When your house guest had overstayed their welcome, the ropes would be loosened in the hopes that they would vacate your home. In actual fact the phrase was first used in 1866 by Susan Bradford Eppes' in her diary “Through Some Eventful Years.” By this time box springs had already replaced rope beds.
The phrase is often used along with, “don't let the bed bugs bite.” Some people believe that the phrase relates to tucking the sheet in tightly around you in an attempt to keep bed bugs out. This is not very plausible, but it rhymes nicely. Our readers would certainly like to read the original “sleep tight” nursery rhyme. The complete rhyme is as follows:
“Good night, sleep tight,
Don't let the bedbugs bite,
Wake up bright,
In the morning light,
To do what's right,
With all your might.”– Unknown
It is more likely that the word “tight” in the phrase relates to the definition meaning “securely, safely, properly.” This use of the word dates back to Shakespeare's time. Thus, when you are telling someone to sleep tight you are wishing them a proper night's sleep.