The correct phrase to use is “good night’s sleep.” Let me explain why.
When we use the phrase “good night’s sleep,” we are referring to a specific type of sleep – the sleep that one has during the night. In this case, “night” is acting as a possessive noun, indicating that the sleep belongs to the night.
To understand this better, let’s break down the phrase. “Good” is an adjective modifying the noun “night’s sleep.” It is describing the quality or nature of the sleep. “Night’s” is a possessive form of the noun “night,” indicating that the sleep belongs to the night. And finally, “sleep” is the noun itself, referring to the state of unconsciousness or rest that one experiences during the night.
Using the two-word variant, “good night,” would not be appropriate in this context because it is not referring to the act of bidding someone farewell, but rather to the specific type of sleep experienced during the night.
Now, let me share a personal experience to illustrate this further. Last night, I had a really good night’s sleep. I went to bed early, and the peacefulness of the night helped me relax and rejuvenate. I woke up feeling refreshed and energized. It was definitely a good night’s sleep, and I attribute it to the calmness of the night.
When referring to the sleep one has during the night, the correct phrase to use is “good night’s sleep.” This form acknowledges the possessive nature of the night and accurately describes the specific type of sleep being referred to.