The Sleeping Patient Check

Late one evening, a nurse was making her rounds, quietly checking on each patient.

She stepped into one room where a man was lying completely still, eyes closed, not moving at all.

Wanting to be careful, she gently leaned in and softly whispered, Sir… are you asleep?

No response.

She tried again, a little louder this time.

Sir?

Still nothing.

Concerned, she reached out and lightly tapped his shoulder.

The man suddenly opened one eye and whispered back:

No… I’m practicing.

The nurse blinked.

Practicing what?

The man closed his eye again and said:

Sleeping.

The nurse sighed.

Alright then… carry on.

She started to leave the room, then paused at the door and turned back.

Just out of curiosity… she said.

How’s it going?

Without opening his eyes, the man replied:

Pretty good.

I almost fooled myself that time.