💤 Not The Sort of Thing to Lose Sleep Over: Night Worries in Everyday Language 😴
“Lose sleep over, to” – If counting sheep condescendingly mouthing “worrywart!” at you sounds familiar, you know this idiom well. It essentially means to worry to the point that sleep is lost—restless nights and furrowed brows. This phrase, often used negatively, suggests that whatever you’re stressed about is probably not worth the bags under your eyes. Think of it as an epistolary reminder from yesteryear, explicitly mentioned in Norman Mailer’s 1959 novel, Advertisements for Myself, with, “It’s not the sort of thing I lose sleep over.”
Related Expressions:
- Burning the Midnight Oil: Staying up late for work or study.
- In a Tizzy: Rendered sleepless by agitation or excitement.
- On Pins and Needles: Anxious anticipation makes dreaming of sheep impossible.
Synonyms:
- To Fret: To worry unnecessarily.
- To Agonize: To obsess with pain or anxiety.
- To Stew: To remain preoccupied and disturbed over something.
Antonyms:
- To Relax: To unwind and let go.
- To Chill Out: To destress and calm down.
- To Take it Easy: Similar to ‘chill out’, but perhaps in a hammock.
Humor-filled Quotes:
“Worry is like a rocking chair: it gives you something to do, but it never gets you anywhere.” – Erma Bombeck
“I’ve developed a new philosophy—If I don’t lose sleep worrying, nobody else should.” – Sarcastic Sage
Proverbs:
“Do not fret over what remains behind the curtain of sleep; it will stand there waiting in the morning sunlight.” – Fictive Wisdom Scrolls
“An anxious mind leaves the body restless.” – Terracotta Warriors’ Diary
References & Recommendations:
Literature:
- Advertisements for Myself by Norman Mailer: A compelling piece embodying the spirit of ’not worth losing sleep over’.
- How to Stop Worrying and Start Living by Dale Carnegie: Practical advice on tackling worry head-on.
Songs:
- 🎵“Don’t Worry, Be Happy” by Bobby McFerrin: The quintessential anthem for brushing off anxiety.
- 🎵“Sleep” by The Dandy Warhols: Because sometimes, the best advice is just to close those weary eyes.
Movies:
- Inside Out (2015): Pixar’s fabulous interpretation of our inner minds and the motley crew of emotions residing within, mainly, how sometimes… it’s okay not to lose sleep.
Poetry:
- The Peace of Wild Things by Wendell Berry: A calming, nature-embedded exhale from the cycle of worry.
Quizzes
Until next time, may your pillow be cozy, your dreams vibrant, and your worries as light as a feather.
Editorial Disclosure by Penelope Dreampunk
Published: October 21, 2023
