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How to Sign "Go To Sleep"

To sign 'go to sleep', you will combine the signs for 'go' and 'sleep'. First, hold both index fingers pointing up in front of you and move them forward to sign 'go'. Then, bring your dominant hand open in front of your face. Move it downward while bringing your fingers and thumb together, and tilt your head slightly to the side as if you are resting.

Examples Using "Go To Sleep" in a Sentence

1

It's time to go to sleep.

Start by pointing to your wrist to sign 'time'. Then, perform the compound sign for 'go to sleep' by moving your index fingers forward, followed by bringing your dominant hand down your face and closing your fingers together.

2

I want to go to sleep.

Point to yourself for 'I', then pull both open hands toward you while curling the fingers into claws for 'want'. Finish by signing 'go to sleep', making sure to include the head tilt at the end.

3

The baby needs to go to sleep.

Sign 'baby' by cradling your arms and rocking them gently. Sign 'need' by bending your index finger into an 'X' shape and moving it downward. Finally, sign 'go to sleep' to complete the thought.

How to Sign "Go To Sleep"
To sign 'go to sleep', you will combine the signs for 'go' and 'sleep'. First, hold both index fingers pointing up in front of you and move them forward to sign 'go'. Then, bring your dominant hand open in front of your face. Move it downward while bringing your fingers and thumb together, and tilt your head slightly to the side as if you are resting.
Visual Logic(Etymology)
This phrase is a compound of two highly iconic signs. The first part, 'go', uses the index fingers to visually indicate a trajectory or movement forward. The second part, 'sleep', is a beautiful visual representation of the physical act of falling asleep. As the hand moves down the face and the fingers close together, it mimics the heavy feeling of eyes drooping shut, while the head tilt represents resting on a pillow.
Signing Tips
When signing 'go to sleep', focus on making a smooth but distinct transition between the two concepts. The 'go' motion should be clear, using both index fingers moving forward. As you transition to 'sleep', let your non-dominant hand drop naturally while your dominant hand moves to your face. Adding a slight head tilt and relaxing your facial muscles during the 'sleep' portion makes the sign much more expressive and natural, perfectly capturing the feeling of settling down to rest.
Common Mistakes
A frequent mistake beginners make is rushing the compound sign, which causes the 'go' and 'sleep' handshapes to blur together into an unclear motion. Take your time to ensure both parts are distinct. Another common error is keeping the face completely stiff; remember that ASL relies heavily on body language. Forgetting to tilt the head or relax the face during the 'sleep' portion can make the sign feel rigid and less communicative of the actual concept of resting.
Regional Variations
This sign is widely used and understood across the ASL community with minimal regional variation.
Examples Using "Go To Sleep" in a Sentence
1

It's time to go to sleep.

Start by pointing to your wrist to sign 'time'. Then, perform the compound sign for 'go to sleep' by moving your index fingers forward, followed by bringing your dominant hand down your face and closing your fingers together.

2

I want to go to sleep.

Point to yourself for 'I', then pull both open hands toward you while curling the fingers into claws for 'want'. Finish by signing 'go to sleep', making sure to include the head tilt at the end.

3

The baby needs to go to sleep.

Sign 'baby' by cradling your arms and rocking them gently. Sign 'need' by bending your index finger into an 'X' shape and moving it downward. Finally, sign 'go to sleep' to complete the thought.

Frequently Asked Questions
Do I always need to sign 'go' before 'sleep'?

If you specifically want to say 'go to sleep', you should use both signs. However, if you are just talking about the general concept of sleeping or being asleep, you can simply use the sign for 'sleep' on its own.

Should I use one hand or two hands for the 'sleep' part?

The 'sleep' portion of this sign is typically done with just your dominant hand. Your non-dominant hand can simply drop to your side or rest naturally after you finish the two-handed 'go' motion.

Can I use this sign to tell someone to go to bed?

Yes! In ASL, 'go to sleep' and 'go to bed' are often used interchangeably in everyday conversation. You can use this exact sequence to tell a child, a pet, or anyone else that it is time to rest.

ASL is a beautiful, expressive language. Practice regularly and have fun!