15+ Ways To Say "Go To Sleep" In Spanish: The Ultimate Guide To Bedtime Verbs, Commands, And Slang

Are you tired of just saying "Buenas noches" (Good night) and want to sound more like a native Spanish speaker? As of December 17, 2025, the phrase "go to sleep" is much more complex and context-dependent in Spanish than a simple direct translation. Mastering the nuances between telling a child to "go to bed," expressing that *you* are "going to sleep," or even using regional slang for "falling asleep" is key to achieving fluency and building topical authority in your Spanish communication.

The most common and direct translation for "go to sleep" is ir a dormir, but you will almost never hear a native speaker use it in that basic infinitive form. Instead, the language employs a rich variety of reflexive verbs and commands that change depending on who you are talking to, their age, and the specific action you mean—whether it’s the physical act of getting into bed or the process of actually falling unconscious.

The Essential Verbs: Acostarse vs. Dormirse

The biggest mistake Spanish learners make is confusing the two primary reflexive verbs that deal with sleep. One means to "go to bed," and the other means to "fall asleep." Understanding this distinction is the foundation of all sleep-related Spanish phrases.

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1. Acostarse (To Go to Bed / To Lie Down)

The verb acostarse literally means "to lie down" and is the correct way to say "to go to bed." It focuses on the physical action of getting into bed, not the act of falling asleep. It is conjugated as a stem-changing verb (o → ue).

• The Infinitive: Acostarse (To go to bed)
• Common Statement (I am going to bed): Me voy a acostar. or Me acuesto.
• Example: Necesito acostarme temprano esta noche. (I need to go to bed early tonight.)
• LSI Keyword: Ir a la cama (A very common, non-reflexive alternative meaning "to go to the bed.")

2. Dormirse (To Fall Asleep / To Go to Sleep)

The verb dormirse is the reflexive form of dormir (to sleep) and specifically means "to fall asleep." It emphasizes the transition from being awake to being asleep. Like acostarse, it is a stem-changing verb (o → ue).

• The Infinitive: Dormirse (To fall asleep)
• Common Statement (I am falling asleep): Me estoy durmiendo. or Me dormí. (I fell asleep.)
• Example: Me dormí viendo la televisión. (I fell asleep watching television.)
• LSI Keyword: Quedarse dormido (Another common phrase meaning "to fall asleep," often implying accidentally falling asleep or oversleeping.)

Direct Commands: Telling Someone to "Go to Sleep"

When you need to give a direct command, for example, to a child, a friend, or a formal acquaintance, the verb choice and conjugation are crucial. You must use the imperative mood, and the formality level (Tú vs. Usted) will change the command entirely.

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Informal Commands (Tú): For Friends and Family

These are the most common ways parents tell their children or partners tell each other to go to sleep or go to bed.

• Vete a dormir / Ve a dormir: The most direct and common command for "Go to sleep." Vete is the imperative form of irse (to leave/go away).
• ¡A dormir!: A quick, common, and almost universal command, especially for children. It’s short for "It's time to sleep!"
• ¡Duérmete!: A direct command meaning "Fall asleep!" or "Go to sleep!" It’s the imperative form of dormirse.
• ¡Acuéstate!: The command for "Go to bed!" or "Lie down!" It's the imperative form of acostarse.
• Vete a la cama: "Go to bed." A slightly softer command than ¡Acuéstate!, focusing on the destination (the bed).

Formal Commands (Usted): For Respect and Distance

If you are speaking to an elder, a boss, or someone you want to treat with special respect, you must use the formal command form.

• Váyase a dormir: The formal command for "Go to sleep." This uses the imperative of irse in the Usted form.
• Acuéstese: The formal command for "Go to bed" or "Lie down."

Advanced & Idiomatic Expressions for Sleep

To truly sound like a native speaker and boost your topical authority, you need to move beyond simple commands and incorporate more nuanced vocabulary and idioms.

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3. Nuanced Verbs and States of Sleepiness

These phrases describe the various stages of feeling tired, falling asleep, or being a certain type of sleeper. They are essential for natural conversation.

• Tengo sueño: The way to say "I am sleepy" (literally: "I have sleep"). This is one of the most fundamental LSI keywords related to the topic.
• Conciliar el sueño: This means "to fall asleep" or "to manage to fall asleep." It is often used in a slightly more formal context, especially when discussing difficulty sleeping.
• Adormecerse: Meaning "to get sleepy" or "to become drowsy." It describes the slow process of falling asleep, a transition phase.
• Estar medio dormido: Literally "to be half asleep." Use this when you are groggy or nodding off.
• Tengo el sueño ligero: "I am a light sleeper."
• Tengo el sueño pesado: "I am a heavy sleeper."

4. Spanish Sleep Idioms and Slang

Idioms are the hallmark of natural language. Incorporating these will make your Spanish sound incredibly authentic.

• Dormir como un tronco: This is the Spanish equivalent of "to sleep like a log." It means to sleep very soundly.
• Dormir como un bebé: "To sleep like a baby." Another common universal idiom for deep, peaceful sleep.
• Echar un coyotito: A fun, informal Mexican phrase that means "to take a nap" (literally: "to throw a little coyote").
• Cascabelear: A Mexican slang term that refers to the action of going to sleep or taking a nap, especially when someone is very tired. This is a great, unique entity to use.
• Pegarse las sábanas: This idiom literally means "to stick the sheets to oneself." It is used when someone sleeps in late or has trouble getting out of bed.

Essential Bedtime Phrases for Context

Beyond the direct command, there are a host of essential phrases used to wish someone well or to signal the end of the day. These phrases are crucial for a complete interaction.

• ¡Que descanses!: "Have a good rest!" This is a very common and kind farewell before someone goes to bed.
• ¡Que duermas bien!: "Sleep well!" A direct and warm wish.
• Hasta mañana: "Until tomorrow." This is a widely used nightly farewell.
• Hora de dormir: "Bedtime." This is the foundational phrase used by parents in bedtime routines.
• Un baño y a la cama: "A bath and to bed." A common phrase used to describe the start of the bedtime routine.
• Ya me voy a dormir: "I'm going to sleep now." The perfect phrase for announcing your departure to bed.

By moving past the basic translation of ir a dormir and utilizing the twenty-plus entities and phrases listed here—from the nuanced verbs acostarse and dormirse to the fun slang like cascabelear—you can communicate with precision and authenticity. Whether you are giving a formal command, sharing your tiredness, or wishing a loved one a restful night, you now have the complete vocabulary to navigate the Spanish world of sleep.