Browse phrases beginning with: [A][B][C][D][E][F][G][H][I][J][K][L][M][N][O][P][Q][R][S][T][U,V][W][X,Y,Z]

Counting sheep

Meaning

A distraction technique used to combat insomnia.

Origin

Insomnia has probably always been with us. We have evidence of this particular technique, of counting sheep as they are imagined to jump over a fence, being used from 1854. That's from Seba Smith's Way down east; or portraitures of Yankee life:

"He shut his eyes with all his might, and tried to think of sheep jumping over a wall."

Phrasefinder is also on &

Tudor Phrases and Sayings - a book on the meanings and origins of the phrases and sayings that Shakespeare and Henry VIII used that we use still use every day.

phrases, sayings, idioms and expressions at

The meaning and origin of the expression: Counting sheep

Counting sheep

Meaning

Origin