# How to Sign “Sleep” in Sign Language

Did you know that during REM sleep, your body is essentially paralyzed to prevent you from acting out your dreams?

## Signing “Sleep”

1. **Hand shape**: Start with your dominant hand in a “closed 5” handshape.
2. **Hand location**: Bring your hands in front of your face, palm facing your face.
3. **Movement**: Closing your hands so that all your fingers touch.
4. **Facial expression**: Make sure your facial expression looks like you’re going to bed.

## Learn how to sign other verbs!

[swim](http://fr.ava.me/asl/swim) | [run](http://fr.ava.me/asl/run) | [walk](http://fr.ava.me/asl/walk) | [sprint](http://fr.ava.me/asl/sprint) | [sleep](http://fr.ava.me/asl/sleep) | [jog](http://fr.ava.me/asl/jog) | [climb](http://fr.ava.me/asl/climb) | [read](http://fr.ava.me/asl/read) | [write](http://fr.ava.me/asl/write) | [drive](http://fr.ava.me/asl/drive) | [drink](http://fr.ava.me/asl/drink) | [eat](http://fr.ava.me/asl/eat) | [laugh](http://fr.ava.me/asl/laugh) | [cry](http://fr.ava.me/asl/cry) | [fly](http://fr.ava.me/asl/fly)

## Break Communication Barriers

Learn more signs on our regularly updated ASL page! As you're picking up sign language, try using Ava for more meaningful conversations with Deaf and hard-of-hearing people.

[ASL](https://fr.ava.me/asl)