Try trying to sleep. vs Try sleeping.

Both phrases are correct, but they have slightly different meanings. 'Try trying to sleep' suggests making an effort to attempt the act of falling asleep, while 'Try sleeping' implies giving sleeping a chance. The choice between them depends on the emphasis you want to convey.

Last updated: March 12, 2024 • 1494 views

This phrase is correct and can be used to indicate making an effort to attempt the act of falling asleep.

"Try trying to sleep."

This phrase is used when someone is struggling to fall asleep and is actively trying to do so.

Examples:

I can't seem to fall asleep. I'll try trying to sleep by counting sheep.

Show examples from the web [+]

Sep 10, 2014 ... ... to not try. trying to sleep. being badly rear-ended once, and again, almost to the day, one year later. back pain, the chiropractor, ad nauseum, ...
Feb 28, 2012 ... Even so I may give it a try. Trying to sleep with my BPAP is so annoying it may be worth taking off that weight and more and hope for the best.
Try trying to sleep at a place like that with electrodes stuck all over you! Well, now I am getting to the point to where I am going to tell my pc I ...
Jan 12, 2012 ... Likewise mosquitoes are tiny compared with humans, but just try trying to sleep with one, especially in an area where mosquitoes are known to ...

Alternatives:

attempt to sleep
make an effort to sleep
try to fall asleep

This phrase is correct and commonly used to suggest giving sleeping a chance.

"Try sleeping."

This phrase is used when advising someone to attempt to sleep as a solution to a problem or when suggesting giving sleep a try.

Examples:

If you're feeling tired, try sleeping for a while.

Show examples from the web [+]

"Try Sleeping With A Broken Heart" is track #6 on the album The Element of Freedom. It was written by Bhasker, Jeff / Augello-cook, Alicia / Reynolds, Patrick.
Nov 24, 2009 ... Music video by Alicia Keys performing Try Sleeping With A Broken Heart. (C) 2009 RCA/JIVE Label Group, a unit of Sony Music Entertainment ...
"Try Sleeping with a Broken Heart" is a pop ballad by American recording artist Alicia Keys. It was released as the second single (third in the UK) from her fourth ...
"Try Sleeping With A Broken Heart". Even if you were a million miles away. I could still feel you in my bed. Near me, touch me, feel me. And even at the bottom of ...

Alternatives:

give sleeping a try
attempt to sleep
try to fall asleep

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Try trying to sleep. vs Try sleeping.