dozes

A doze is a short, light sleep, often taken while resting or sitting. Dozes are usually brief, lasting only a few minutes up to about 20 minutes, and they involve drifting into a lighter sleep rather than entering deeper stages. They commonly occur in moments of fatigue, such as after lunch, while watching television, or during quiet moments in the day.

As a verb, doze describes the act of sleeping lightly or briefly. In third-person singular form, a person "dozes" on the couch or during a long meeting. The expression "doze off" refers to falling asleep for a short interval, often without conscious intention.

Etymology: The noun and verb share the English root doze; the precise origin is uncertain, but the term has long been used to describe light, partial sleep in everyday language.

Dozing differs from napping or snoozing in its brevity and lightness; a nap is often a planned rest with deeper sleep potential. Related terms include drowse, nap, and snooze, which describe similar but not identical states.

Health and safety: Dozing can be a normal response to sleep deprivation or circadian dips, but excessive daytime dozing, especially when driving, can indicate sleep disorders or insufficient sleep. Improving sleep hygiene and seeking medical advice may help in persistent cases.