Instructions
Performing the "Sleep"
Make the starting position for performing the "sleep" by gripping the yo-yo in your hand so that your fingers and palm curl around the curve of the yo-yo. Turn your palm up and raise your upper arm so that it is stuck out in front of you, parallel with the floor. Curl your arm and hand over so that your arm is bent.
Uncurl your arm at speed and release the yo-yo. Allow the yo-yo to roll off your fingers. Let it spin outwards and turn your hand over as it approaches the end of its reach. The yo-yo should spin on the spot.
Retract the yo-yo by giving a small, sharp tug on the string. It will spin back up into your hand. Catch it or let it descend again.
Fixing Problems with New Strings
Inspect the new string for correct fitting if the yo-yo rolls straight back up instead of sleeping. The loop around the axle should be about twice the size of the axle. If it is too tight, you might have difficulty. Untwist the string in a counter-clockwise direction to loosen the loop.
Allow the yo-yo to hang at the end of the string and unwind completely before winding it. Twists or knots in the string will keep the yo-yo from working properly.
Check that the new yo-yo string is the appropriate length. It should be equal to the height between your belly button and the floor. Trim it down and retie the finger loop if it is too long. This will help you get control of the trick.