Eating and drinking after HaMapil
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Question
If a person has already recited the blessing of HaMapil, and it is very hard for him to fall asleep and he becomes very thirsty or hungry – is he allowed to eat or drink after saying the blessing of HaMapil?
And what is considered "sleep" with regard to the blessing of HaMapil – is it enough that he closes his eyes with the intention to sleep, or does he need to actually fall asleep?
And what is considered "sleep" with regard to the blessing of HaMapil – is it enough that he closes his eyes with the intention to sleep, or does he need to actually fall asleep?
Answer
Shalom u’vracha.
He should try to sleep a bit, and afterwards it will be permitted for him to speak, and in this way he may eat and drink in accordance with the halacha.
If he sees that he will not be able to fall asleep because of hunger or thirst, and he has tried for some time to sleep and did not succeed, he should get up, recite the blessings as usual, eat and drink, and then try to sleep again.
For the blessing of HaMapil to be said in the proper manner, actual sleep is required; it is not sufficient merely to attempt to fall asleep.
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