Sleepy-headed

Describing a person or animal that is drowsy, lethargic, and slow to wake up, often indicating a tendency to be tired or inattentive. The term suggests a somewhat endearing quality, implying a lack of sharpness or alertness due to sleepiness. It can be used to characterize someone who is habitually sleepy, especially in the morning, or who struggles to stay awake during activities that require concentration. The word often carries a gentle, playful tone, suggesting a person is not intentionally lazy, but simply burdened by a desire for more rest. The term can be used in a variety of contexts, from describing a child struggling to get ready for school to describing a colleague struggling to stay awake during a meeting.

Sleepy-headed meaning with examples

• Little Timmy was always sleepy-headed in the mornings, often taking an extra five minutes to fully wake up and get out of bed. His mom would gently coax him to get ready for school and would prepare a nutritious breakfast to help him feel more energized to keep him alert throughout the school day. The family dog often copied Timmy.
• During the long car ride, after hours on the road, the passengers, including the driver, started to feel sleepy-headed. The driver pulled over and took a nap to rest, and a quick brisk walk and stretching, while the passengers began a game of 'I spy' to keep them alert. It would provide everyone energy to make the remainder of the journey safely.
• The meeting dragged on, and the presentation lacked any real drama, and it seemed the boss had become increasingly sleepy-headed. Even with coffee, he was struggling to keep his eyes open. He needed to schedule more breaks and try to make the presentation to the sales team more interesting, and relevant.
• After working a double shift, Sarah was feeling quite sleepy-headed and could barely stay awake for the drive home. Even with all the windows open, and the cold night air, she found herself constantly nodding off. Fortunately, she made it home safely after stopping for some coffee and a short walk.