lefekvés

Lefekvés is a Hungarian term referring to the act of lying down to go to bed and prepare for sleep. In common usage it denotes the transition from wakefulness to the nightly routine, rather than the state of sleep itself.

Etymology: The word is formed from the prefix le-, meaning "down" or "away," attached to fekvés, from feküdni "to lie." The term has been in continuous use in Hungarian over centuries.

In daily life, lefekvés commonly involves activities such as undressing, changing into nightwear, brushing teeth, and turning off lights, followed by lying in bed with the intention of sleeping. The moment of going to bed is distinct from actual sleep, which is alvás.

Usage and cultural aspects: The time of lefekvés is part of personal or family routines and can vary by age, work schedule, and cultural expectations. For children, consistent bedtimes are often emphasized to support sleep quality.

Health relevance: Regular lefekvés schedules can support circadian alignment and sleep hygiene, reducing insomnia and daytime fatigue. Disruptions to bedtime routines—such as late screen use or irregular hours—can impair sleep quality.

See also: alvás, bedtime, sleep hygiene, circadian rhythm.