sandman
noun
sand·man ˈsan(d)-ˌman 
: a genie in folklore who makes children sleepy by sprinkling sand in their eyes —often used to personify sleep
trying to fight off the sandman
Example Sentences
Recent Examples on the Web The titular sandman of the title is Morpheus, the supernatural being who goes more commonly by the name of Dream. 
Philip Ellis And Milan Polk, Men's Health, 7 June 2022 The claims haven’t changed in decades—lavender summons the sandman; peppermint peps you up—but modern manifestations are decidedly more luxe than those amber bottles at the health-food store. April Long, Marie Claire, 20 Feb. 2019 Marley and Me Avengers infinity war Two of the most depressing movies in this world— aka sandman (@MylesGAS) April 27, 2018Disbelief and grief cloaked us like sweat. Jeneé Osterheldt, kansascity, 27 Apr. 2018 Sandman was third with 21 sailfish and won the Quest for the Crest as the top team over the four-tournament series. Steve Waters, Sun-Sentinel.com, 2 May 2017
Philip Ellis And Milan Polk, Men's Health, 7 June 2022 The claims haven’t changed in decades—lavender summons the sandman; peppermint peps you up—but modern manifestations are decidedly more luxe than those amber bottles at the health-food store. April Long, Marie Claire, 20 Feb. 2019 Marley and Me Avengers infinity war Two of the most depressing movies in this world— aka sandman (@MylesGAS) April 27, 2018Disbelief and grief cloaked us like sweat. Jeneé Osterheldt, kansascity, 27 Apr. 2018 Sandman was third with 21 sailfish and won the Quest for the Crest as the top team over the four-tournament series. Steve Waters, Sun-Sentinel.com, 2 May 2017 Word History
First Known Use
1835, in the meaning defined above