[Grammar] Sleep Countable / Uncountable noun

[Hope!]

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Hello!

From Collins online dictionary:


"uncountable noun[/FONT][FONT=&quot]Sleep is the natural state of rest in which your eyes are closed, your body is inactive, and your mind does not think.
They were exhausted from lack of sleep."



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[FONT=&quot]"countable noun [usually singular][/FONT][FONT=&quot]A sleep is a period of sleeping.
I think he may be ready for a sleep soon."


I can't really grasp the difference. I'm trying to write a title: "The importance of a healthy diet and (a) good sleep", but I still don't feel confident about which one is correct.
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[jutfrank]

You need the uncountable use: The importance of sleep.

You might also consider using gerund phrases: The importance of (eating and) sleeping well.

 

[Charlie Bernstein]

In the US, we don't often use the expression a sleep. Much more common words to follow "a" are:

- a nap
- a rest
- a snooze
- a good sleep
- a deep sleep

Normally, we wouldn't say "She needs a sleep." We'd say "She needs sleep" or "She needs to sleep."