"sleep on it"

[D.T.]

Where does the expression sleep on it come from?

Presumably if you dont make an on the spot decision, you can go back the next day with a fresh outlook and potentially more informed / less emotional approach. Anyone want to share any experiences with this?

But... if its a decision worth making, chances are you wont be able to sleep anyways, so not exactly sleeping on it.

Posted by an unwise DT at 2am local time

 

[dex]

To "sleep on it" means to think something over thoroughly before deciding. When you say this, it usually means you are asking for more time to decide.

 

[Ace in the Hole]

I think it's a great way to make important decisions rather than trying to be too analytical and force a decision.
Just let your mind work out the answer/decide for you and it often comes up with the right answers or potential problems all by itself.

 

[perthguy]

Where does the expression sleep on it come from?

"Consider something overnight before deciding, as in I don't know if I want to go on such a long hike; let me sleep on it . This usage was first recorded in 1519 in the state papers of King Henry VIII: "His Grace ... said that he would sleep and dream upon the matter."

http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/sleep+on+something

Presumably if you dont make an on the spot decision, you can go back the next day with a fresh outlook and potentially more informed / less emotional approach. Anyone want to share any experiences with this?

I have experience with not doing this. My first house was an impulse purchase. I was driving down a road and saw a home open. Inspected the house, wanted it and decided to put in an offer. I did have a break to have something to eat while I mulled over the price. I put in my offer, negotiated and 2 hours later I had my offer accepted. My decision to sell the same house was also an impulse decision. The timing was perfect and I made a nice CGT free windfall. Maybe for me it should be "eat on it".

But... if its a decision worth making, chances are you wont be able to sleep anyways, so not exactly sleeping on it.

"A new study has found that sleeping on a problem really can help people to find a solution. The study tested whether sleep or time spent awake worked best in helping people find the solutions to a range of problem solving tasks."

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/10/121012074741.htm

As an ex computer programmer, I can tell you that I sometimes solve complex problems in the shower. "It's the shower effect. You know, when it suddenly comes to you in the shower."

http://www.chacocanyon.com/pointlookout/060125.shtml

 

[Tulamalula]

Hard one, all my purchases have been a *feeling* - like gold running up my arms, and I've gone in and gone in hard. Done well with all 3 ...BUT ... there is no scientific fact to back up a gut feeling. While it worked for me 3 times, doesn't mean it will again.

Trying to *sleep on it* a bit more these days, but am always tortured by that feeling of intuition ... God, getting a bit New Age here ... slap me.

 

[devank]

"I'll sleep on it" is kind of my 'escape' clause

 

[Brady]

It's usually what solves arguments with my partner once jets are cooled it's easier to communicate and make better decisions.

 

[travelbug]

I got ripped off many years ago (not big money really) but since then I have always vowed to sleep on anything over $1000.

It put me in good stead for a while. If I had a sound sleep I knew it was OK.

BUT then I discovered property investing. It doesn't work. I bought a villa in my lunch hour once. Went out, looked, signed the papers. When you know, you know.

In most cases my "rule" has worked out as an excuse really. When I really know it's not right.

For example the VERY pushy kitchen designer that stayed until 11pm and kept dropping his price and adding things. "I'll give you a rangehood, I'll give you a sink" etc etc. The only thing he didn't thorow in were the steak knives. LOL