"when you sleep" vs "when you are going to sleep"

Question

"when you sleep" vs "when you are going to sleep"

Both phrases are correct, but they are used in different contexts. 'When you are going to sleep' is used to refer to the period leading up to going to sleep, while 'when you sleep' is used to refer to the actual act of sleeping.

Last Updated: March 24, 2024

This phrase is used to refer to the actual act of sleeping, indicating the time during which a person is asleep.

Examples:

I don't like to be disturbed when I sleep.
You should try to get at least eight hours of sleep every night.

Alternatives:

while you are sleeping
during your sleep
at the time of sleeping
when you are in bed
while you are resting

This phrase is used to refer to the period leading up to going to sleep, indicating the time before falling asleep.

Examples:

Make sure to turn off all the lights when you are going to sleep.
I like to read a book when I am going to sleep.

Alternatives:

when you are getting ready for bed
when you are preparing to sleep
when you are about to sleep
when you are getting into bed
when you are winding down for the night

Answer 1

when you sleep

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English.

Answer 2

when you are going to sleep

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English.

"when you sleep" vs "when you are going to sleep"

when you sleep

when you are going to sleep

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