It is better to sleep on things beforehand than lie awake about them afterwards.

The aphorism contrasts two kinds of “sleeplessness”: the deliberate pause taken before acting (“sleep on it”) versus the anxious insomnia that follows a rash decision. It recommends prudence, foresight, and self-command—virtues central to Gracián’s moral and social maxims—by suggesting that a small, voluntary delay can prevent prolonged regret. The line also implies that time and rest clarify judgment: reflection before commitment is a form of economy, trading a brief postponement for peace of mind. In a broader ethical sense, it frames wisdom as anticipatory: the disciplined person manages consequences by managing impulses.