Sleep vs. Rest: Know the Difference
By Shumaila Saeed || Published on February 3, 2024
Sleep is a state of unconsciousness where the body undergoes recovery, while rest can be any form of relaxation or inactivity, not necessarily involving sleep.
Key Differences
Sleep is a specific physiological state characterized by altered consciousness and reduced sensory activity, essential for physical and mental recovery. Rest, on the other hand, encompasses a broader range of activities, including sitting or lying down, where the body and mind relax but do not necessarily enter a state of sleep.
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Feb 03, 2024
During sleep, the body progresses through multiple stages, including REM (Rapid Eye Movement) and non-REM sleep, which are crucial for brain functions and physical health. Rest can be passive or active, such as reading or meditation, and does not involve the complex biological processes of sleep.
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Sleep typically requires a certain duration and environment to be effective, usually involving several uninterrupted hours in a comfortable setting. Rest can be taken in short intervals throughout the day, in various settings, and does not require the complete disengagement from surroundings that sleep does.
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The health benefits of sleep include memory consolidation, hormonal balance, and cell repair. While rest, though not as physiologically comprehensive as sleep, still provides significant benefits like stress reduction, improved mood, and decreased fatigue.
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Dreaming is a phenomenon primarily associated with sleep, particularly REM sleep, reflecting the brain's intense activity during this state. Rest, while it may involve daydreaming or light dozing, typically does not encompass the deep cognitive processes that occur during sleep.
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Comparison Chart
State of Consciousness
Unconscious state with reduced sensory activity
Conscious but relaxed state, less active than usual
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Duration
Usually requires several hours for effectiveness
Can be short-term or long-term, flexible in duration
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Physical and Mental Recovery
Involves deep physiological processes for recovery
Provides relaxation but not deep recovery
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Environment
Typically requires a quiet, comfortable setting
Can be achieved in various environments
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Associated Activities
Includes REM and non-REM stages, dreaming
Can include light activities like reading or meditating
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Sleep and Rest Definitions
Sleep
In computing, sleep mode is a low-power state for electronic devices.
To save energy, the computer automatically goes into sleep mode after 30 minutes of inactivity.
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Rest
In music, a rest is an interval of silence of a specified duration.
The score has a quarter rest at the end of the measure.
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Sleep
A natural periodic state of rest for the mind and body, in which the eyes usually close and consciousness is completely or partially lost, so that there is a decrease in bodily movement and responsiveness to external stimuli. During sleep the brain in humans and other mammals undergoes a characteristic cycle of brain-wave activity that includes intervals of dreaming.
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Rest
Rest can also mean the remaining part of something.
She read the first chapter and decided to read the rest later.
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Jan 11, 2024
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Rest
Rest can mean to be placed or supported so as to stay in a specified position.
The ladder rests against the wall securely.
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Sleep
A state of inactivity resembling or suggesting sleep; unconsciousness, dormancy, hibernation, or death.
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Rest
A period of inactivity, relaxation, or sleep:The hikers stopped for a rest.
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Sleep
A state in which a computer shuts off or reduces power to its peripherals (such as the display or memory) in order to save energy during periods of inactivity.
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Rest
Sleep or the refreshment resulting from inactivity or sleep:Get plenty of rest before the race.
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Sleep
(Botany) The folding together of leaflets or petals at night or in the absence of light.
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Sleep
A crust of dried tears or mucus normally forming around the inner rim of the eye during sleep.
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Rest
The state of being motionless; the absence of motion:The car accelerates quickly from a state of rest.
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Rest
The condition of being settled or resolved:a remark that put the matter to rest.
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Sleep
To pass or get rid of by sleeping
Slept away the day.
Went home to sleep off the headache.
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Rest
An interval of silence corresponding to one of the possible time values within a measure.
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Sleep
To provide sleeping accommodations for
This tent sleeps three comfortably.
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Sleep
(intransitive) To rest in a state of reduced consciousness.
You should sleep eight hours a day.
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Sleep
(transitive) To be slumbering in (a state).
To sleep a dreamless sleep
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Sleep
To achieve or make happen by manner of sleep.
Sleep your way to good health.
He hoped to sleep his troubles away.
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Sleep
To have sexual intercourse (see sleep with).
Last night we slept together for the first time.
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Rest
The part that is left over after something has been removed; remainder.
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Rest
That or those remaining
The beginning was boring, but the rest was interesting. The rest are arriving later.
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Sleep
(transitive) To accommodate in beds.
This caravan can sleep four people comfortably.
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Rest
A support for a lance on the side of the breastplate of medieval armor.
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Sleep
(intransitive) To be careless, inattentive, or unconcerned; not to be vigilant; to live thoughtlessly.
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Rest
To cease motion, work, or activity, especially in order to become refreshed:The laborers rested in the shade.
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Sleep
(intransitive) To be, or appear to be, in repose; to be quiet; to be unemployed, unused, or unagitated; to rest; to lie dormant.
A question sleeps for the present; the law sleeps
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Rest
To be in or come to a motionless state:The can rolled along, finally resting when it hit the curb.
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Sleep
To wait for a period of time without performing any action.
After a failed connection attempt, the program sleeps for 5 seconds before trying again.
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Rest
To be located or be in a specified place:The manuscript rests in the museum.
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Sleep
To spin on its axis with no other perceptible motion.
When a top is sleeping, it is spinning but not precessing.
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Rest
To be unchanged or unresolved:After arguing for an hour, we let the matter rest.
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Sleep
To cause (a spinning top or yo-yo) to spin on its axis with no other perceptible motion.
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Rest
To be supported or based; lie, lean, or sit:The ladder rests firmly anst the tree.
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Sleep
(uncountable) The state of reduced consciousness during which a human or animal rests in a daily rhythm.
I really need some sleep.
We need to conduct an overnight sleep test to diagnose your sleep problem.
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Rest
To be imposed or vested, as a responsibility or burden:The final decision rests with the crperson.
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Rest
(Law)To complete the n presentation of one's portion of a legal case:The defense rests.
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Sleep
(uncountable) Rheum, crusty or gummy discharge found in the corner of the eyes after waking, whether real or a figurative objectification of sleep (in the sense of reduced consciousness).
Wipe the sleep from your eyes.
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Rest
To cause or allow to be inactive or relaxed so as to ren energy:The coach rested his best players. I rested my eyes before studying.
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Sleep
A state of plants, usually at night, when their leaflets approach each other and the flowers close and droop, or are covered by the folded leaves.
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Rest
To place, lay, or lean, as for support or repose:rested the rake anst the fence.
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Sleep
To take rest by a suspension of the voluntary exercise of the powers of the body and mind, and an apathy of the organs of sense; to slumber.
Watching at the head of these that sleep.
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Sleep
To be careless, inattentive, or uncouncerned; not to be vigilant; to live thoughtlessly.
We sleep over our happiness.
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Rest
(Law)To complete the n presentation of (one's portion of a case):The prosecutor was not ready to rest her case.
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Sleep
To be dead; to lie in the grave.
Them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him.
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Rest
To be or continue to be; remain
Rest assured that we will finish on time.
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Sleep
To be, or appear to be, in repose; to be quiet; to be unemployed, unused, or unagitated; to rest; to lie dormant; as, a question sleeps for the present; the law sleeps.
How sweet the moonlight sleep upon this bank!
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Jan 11, 2024
Sleep
To be slumbering in; - followed by a cognate object; as, to sleep a dreamless sleep.
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Rest
Relief from work or activity by sleeping; sleep.
I need to get a good rest tonight; I was up late last night.
The sun sets, and the workers go to their rest.
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Sleep
To give sleep to; to furnish with accomodations for sleeping; to lodge.
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Rest
(countable) Any relief from exertion; a state of quiet and relaxation.
We took a rest at the top of the hill to get our breath back.
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Sleep
A natural and healthy, but temporary and periodical, suspension of the functions of the organs of sense, as well as of those of the voluntary and rational soul; that state of the animal in which there is a lessened acuteness of sensory perception, a confusion of ideas, and a loss of mental control, followed by a more or less unconscious state.
O sleep, thou ape of death.
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Rest
(uncountable) Peace; freedom from worry, anxiety, annoyances; tranquility.
It was nice to have a rest from the phone ringing when I unplugged it for a while.
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Sleep
A natural and periodic state of rest during which consciousness of the world is suspended;
He didn't get enough sleep last night
Calm as a child in dreamless slumber
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Rest
A state of inactivity; a state of little or no motion; a state of completion.
The boulder came to rest just behind the house after rolling down the mountain.
The ocean was finally at rest.
Now that we're all in agreement, we can put that issue to rest.
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Rest
A final position after death.
She was laid to rest in the village cemetery.
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Sleep
A period of time spent sleeping;
He felt better after a little sleep
There wasn't time for a nap
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Rest
A pause of a specified length in a piece of music.
Remember there's a rest at the end of the fourth bar.
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Sleep
Euphemisms for death (based on an analogy between lying in a bed and in a tomb);
She was laid to rest beside her husband
They had to put their family pet to sleep
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Rest
A written symbol indicating such a pause in a musical score such as in sheet music.
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Rest
Absence of motion.
The body's centre of gravity may affect its state of rest.
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Rest
A stick with a U-, V- or X-shaped head used to support the tip of a cue when the cue ball is otherwise out of reach.
Higgins can't quite reach the white with his cue, so he'll be using the rest.
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Sleep
Sleep is a natural periodic state of rest for the mind and body, characterized by altered consciousness and inactivity of the muscles.
After a long day of work, he fell into a deep sleep.
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Rest
(countable) Any object designed to be used to support something else.
She put the phone receiver back in its rest.
He placed his hands on the arm rests of the chair.
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Sleep
Sleep can refer metaphorically to a state of inactivity or dormancy in various contexts.
The volcano has been in a sleep state for decades, with no signs of eruption.
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Rest
A projection from the right side of the cuirass of armour, serving to support the lance.
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Sleep
In literature, sleep often symbolizes peace or escape from reality.
The character in the novel sought sleep as an escape from her troubles.
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Rest
A place where one may rest, either temporarily, as in an inn, or permanently, as, in an abode.
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Sleep
Sleep can also mean to accommodate someone for the night.
The hotel can sleep up to 500 guests.
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Rest
The striking of a balance at regular intervals in a running account. Often, specifically, the intervals after which compound interest is added to capital.
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Rest
(uncountable) That which remains.
She ate some of the food, but was not hungry enough to eat it all, so she put the rest in the refrigerator to finish later.
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Rest
Those not included in a proposition or description; the remainder; others.
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Rest
A surplus held as a reserved fund by a bank to equalize its dividends, etc.; in the Bank of England, the balance of assets above liabilities.
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Rest
(intransitive) To cease from action, motion, work, or performance of any kind; stop; desist; be without motion.
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Rest
(intransitive) To be free from that which harasses or disturbs; be quiet or still; be undisturbed.
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Rest
To be or to put into a state of rest.
My day's work is over; now I will rest.
We need to rest the horses before we ride any further.
I shall not rest until I have uncovered the truth.
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Jan 11, 2024
Rest
(intransitive) To stay, remain, be situated.
The blame seems to rest with your father.
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Rest
To lean, lie, or lay.
A column rests on its pedestal.
I rested my head in my hands.
She rested against my shoulder.
I rested against the wall for a minute.
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Rest
To complete one's active advocacy in a trial or other proceeding, and thus to wait for the outcome (however, one is still generally available to answer questions, etc.)
The defense rests, your Honor.
I rest my case.
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Jan 11, 2024
Rest
(intransitive) To sleep the final sleep; sleep in death; die; be dead.
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Rest
(intransitive) To rely or depend on.
The decision rests on getting a bank loan.
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Rest
To continue to be, remain, be left in a certain way.
You can rest assured that a sick child will say when it's again ready to eat, so it won't starve and doesn't need to be cajoled into eating.
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Rest
To cease from action or motion, especially from action which has caused weariness; to desist from labor or exertion.
God . . . rested on the seventh day from all his work which he had made.
Six days thou shalt do thy work, and on the seventh day thou shalt rest.
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Rest
To be free from whanever wearies or disturbs; to be quiet or still.
There rest, if any rest can harbor there.
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Rest
To stand firm; to be fixed; to be supported; as, a column rests on its pedestal.
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Rest
To sleep; to slumber; hence, poetically, to be dead.
Fancy . . . then retriesInto her private cell when Nature rests.
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Rest
To lean in confidence; to trust; to rely; to repose without anxiety; as, to rest on a man's promise.
On him I rested, after long debate,And not without considering, fixed fate.
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Jan 11, 2024
Rest
To lay or place at rest; to quiet.
Your piety has paidAll needful rites, to rest my wandering shade.
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Rest
To place, as on a support; to cause to lean.
Her weary head upon your bosom rest.
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Rest
To be left; to remain; to continue to be.
The affairs of men rest still uncertain.
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Rest
A state of quiet or repose; a cessation from motion or labor; tranquillity; as, rest from mental exertion; rest of body or mind.
Sleep give thee all his rest!
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Rest
Hence, freedom from everything which wearies or disturbs; peace; security.
And the land had rest fourscore years.
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Rest
Sleep; slumber; hence, poetically, death.
How sleep the brave who sink to rest,By all their country's wishes blest.
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Rest
That on which anything rests or leans for support; as, a rest in a lathe, for supporting the cutting tool or steadying the work.
He made narrowed rests round about, that the beams should not be fastened in the walls of the house.
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Jan 11, 2024
Rest
A projection from the right side of the cuirass, serving to support the lance.
Their visors closed, their lances in the rest.
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Rest
A place where one may rest, either temporarily, as in an inn, or permanently, as, in an abode.
In dust our final rest, and native home.
Ye are not as yet come to the rest and to the inheritance which the Lord your God giveth you.
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Rest
Silence in music or in one of its parts; the name of the character that stands for such silence. They are named as notes are, whole, half, quarter,etc.
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Rest
That which is left, or which remains after the separation of a part, either in fact or in contemplation; remainder; residue.
Religion gives part of its reward in hand, the present comfort of having done our duty, and, for the rest, it offers us the best security that Heaven can give.
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Jan 11, 2024
Rest
Those not included in a proposition or description; the remainder; others.
Armed like the rest, the Trojan prince appears.
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Rest
A surplus held as a reserved fund by a bank to equalize its dividends, etc.; in the Bank of England, the balance of assets above liabilities.
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Rest
Something left after other parts have been taken away;
There was no remainder
He threw away the rest
He took what he wanted and I got the balance
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Rest
Freedom from activity (work or strain or responsibility);
Took his repose by the swimming pool
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Rest
A pause for relaxation;
People actually accomplish more when they take time for short rests
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Jan 11, 2024
Rest
A state of inaction;
A body will continue in a state of rest until acted upon
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Jan 11, 2024
Rest
Euphemisms for death (based on an analogy between lying in a bed and in a tomb);
She was laid to rest beside her husband
They had to put their family pet to sleep
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Jan 11, 2024
Rest
A support on which things can be put;
The gun was steadied on a special rest
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Rest
Have a place in relation to something else;
The fate of Bosnia lies in the hands of the West
The responsibility rests with the Allies
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Rest
Stay the same; remain in a certain state;
The dress remained wet after repeated attempts to dry it
Rest assured
Stay alone
He remained unmoved by her tears
The bad weather continued for another week
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Jan 11, 2024
Rest
Put something in a resting position, as for support or steadying;
Rest your head on my shoulder
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Rest
Be inactive, refrain from acting;
The committee is resting over the summer
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Rest
Rest refers to ceasing work or movement in order to relax, refresh oneself, or recover strength.
He took a short rest after the hike to regain his energy.
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Rest
In mechanical terms, a rest is a support or base for an object.
The painter set his canvas on the rest to start his work.
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Repeatedly Asked Queries
What is sleep?
Sleep is a natural state of rest for the body and mind, involving reduced consciousness and sensory activity.
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Feb 03, 2024
Can rest replace sleep?
Rest can be refreshing but cannot replace the deep physiological benefits of sleep.
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Feb 03, 2024
Is dreaming only associated with sleep?
Yes, dreaming mainly occurs during REM sleep, a deep sleep stage.
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Feb 03, 2024
What are the stages of sleep?
Sleep stages include non-REM (stages 1-3) and REM (Rapid Eye Movement) sleep.
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Feb 03, 2024
Can lack of sleep affect health?
Yes, chronic sleep deprivation can lead to various health issues, including heart disease and depression.
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Feb 03, 2024
What does rest mean?
Rest refers to any period of relaxation or inactivity, not necessarily involving sleep, to rejuvenate the body and mind.
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How much sleep do adults need?
Most adults need 7-9 hours of sleep per night for optimal health.
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Feb 03, 2024
What happens to the body during sleep?
The body undergoes repair, growth, and consolidation of memories during sleep.
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Can I feel rested without sleeping?
Yes, short periods of relaxation or inactivity can provide a sense of rest without sleep.
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Feb 03, 2024
Is meditation a form of rest?
Yes, meditation is a form of conscious rest that can relax the mind and body.
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Feb 03, 2024
Is a power nap a form of sleep or rest?
A power nap is a short sleep that can provide rest and rejuvenation.
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Can too much rest be harmful?
Excessive rest, especially inactivity, can lead to physical and mental health issues.
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How does relaxation differ from rest?
Relaxation is a state of being free from tension and anxiety, which can be part of rest.
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What role does sleep play in learning?
Sleep plays a crucial role in processing and consolidating new information and learning.
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Can rest improve mood?
Yes, adequate rest can significantly improve mood and reduce stress.
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Feb 03, 2024
What activities are considered restful?
Activities like reading, listening to music, or taking a leisurely walk can be restful.
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What is the best environment for sleep?
A quiet, dark, and cool environment is typically best for sleep.
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Feb 03, 2024
Is lying down always considered rest?
Lying down can be a form of rest, but it depends on the context and whether the body and mind are relaxed.
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Feb 03, 2024
Can exercise be a form of rest?
Light exercise can be a form of active rest, helping to rejuvenate the body and mind.
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What is REM sleep important for?
REM sleep is important for memory consolidation, brain development, and emotional processing.
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Feb 03, 2024
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About Author
Written by
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed, an expert content creator with 6 years of experience, specializes in distilling complex topics into easily digestible comparisons, shining a light on the nuances that both inform and educate readers with clarity and accuracy.
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