ASL LOVE
🤟 How to sign
To sign "SLEEP" in American Sign Language (ASL), place your dominant hand in a "5" handshape near your face, then draw it down while closing your fingers into a flat "O" handshape, representing the closing of eyes and settling into sleep.
📖 Word definition
A naturally recurring state of mind and body characterized by altered consciousness, reduced sensory activity, and rest.
🎯 Detailed Hand Movement Guide
- Hand Shape: Start with dominant hand in "5" handshape (all fingers extended), end in flat "O" handshape (fingertips touching thumb).
- Starting Position: Hand positioned near the side of your face, fingers spread and pointing upward.
- Movement: Draw hand downward in front of your face while gradually closing fingers.
- Path: Smooth downward motion from face level to chest level.
- Hand Orientation: Palm faces toward your face initially, fingers close naturally as hand moves down.
- Facial Expression: Relaxed, peaceful expression with eyes slightly closing to reinforce the concept of sleep.
⚠️ Common Mistakes & What to Avoid
❌ Too fast movement: Make the motion slow and gradual to show peaceful settling into sleep.
❌ Wrong handshape: Start with open "5" hand, not closed fist or other shapes.
❌ Wrong location: Keep hand near face, not away from body or too low.
❌ Abrupt closing: Fingers should close gradually during the downward movement, not snap shut.
💬 Common Sentence Examples
"I need to sleep."
How to sign: Point to yourself with index finger → sign "need" (bent index finger taps down) → sign "sleep" (5 hand closes while moving down face).
"Baby is sleeping."
How to sign: Sign "baby" (rock arms like holding infant) → sign "sleep" with continuous gentle motion → maintain peaceful facial expression throughout.
"Sleep well tonight."
How to sign: Sign "sleep" (5 hand closes down face) → sign "good/well" (flat hand moves from chin outward) → sign "tonight" (T hand moves down over opposite palm).