Pokemon TCG Pocket Sleep Status Explained

Author: Peyton Mar 21,2025

In Pokémon TCG Pocket, Sleep is the most frustrating status condition. While there's a cure, its unpredictable nature can significantly impact gameplay. This guide covers everything you need to know about Sleep and how to wake your Pokémon.

What Does Sleep Mean in Pokémon TCG Pocket?

When a Pokémon is afflicted with Sleep, it's completely incapacitated. It can't attack, use abilities, or retreat. Essentially, your sleeping Pokémon becomes a vulnerable target on your active spot until cured.

How to Cure Sleep

There are two primary ways to cure Sleep in Pokémon TCG Pocket: a successful coin toss at the start of each turn, or evolution. The coin toss provides a chance of recovery each turn, potentially curing Sleep quickly. However, repeated failures can leave your Pokémon useless for several turns, unlike the more predictable Paralysis and Poison statuses. While you can prepare alternative attackers or hope for an evolution, your opponent might capitalize on your sleeping Pokémon's vulnerability.

A less common method involves the Koga Trainer card, which returns a sleeping Weezing or Muk to your hand. This is a Pokémon-specific solution.

Related: Best Dialga Ex Decks in Pokemon TCG Pocket

All Sleep Cards in Pokémon TCG Pocket

Hypno from Pokemon TCG Pocket, the best card that can inflict the Sleep status

Image via The Pokemon Company

Eight cards currently inflict Sleep in Pokémon TCG Pocket, including Darkrai, Wigglytuff, and Hypno (the most competitively viable). Below is a complete list detailing each card, its method, and acquisition:

Sleep CardMethodHow to Get
Darkrai (A2 109)Guaranteed effect via Dark Void attackSpace-Time Smackdown (Dialga)
Flabebe (A1a 036)Guaranteed effect via Hypnotic GazeMythical Island
Frosmoth (A1 093)Guaranteed effect via Powder Snow attackGenetic Apex
Hypno (A1 125)Coin flip effect via Sleep Pendulum abilityGenetic Apex (Pikachu)
Jigglypuff (P-A 022)Guaranteed effect via Sing attackPromo-A
Shiinotic (A1a 008)Guaranteed secondary effect of Flickering SporesMythical Island
Vileplume (A1 013)Side effect of Soothing ScentGenetic Apex (Charizard)
Wigglytuff ex (A1 195)Additional effect of Sleepy Song attackGenetic Apex (Pikachu)

Hypno stands out due to its ability to inflict Sleep from the bench, making it a powerful support card for Psychic decks, complementing heavy hitters like Mewtwo ex and Gardevoir.

While Frosmoth and Wigglytuff ex can be incorporated into other decks, Hypno's current competitive edge lies in its ability to inflict Sleep without hindering your overall strategy. Now that you understand Sleep, explore the powerful combos offered by the latest cards, such as the best Palkia ex deck in Pokémon TCG Pocket.