Do I have to sleep before Tahajjud for it to count?

Assalamu alaikum everyone, hope you’re all in good health. I wanted to ask those who pray Tahajjud, or have prayed it: did you feel your duas were answered differently when you slept first and then woke up, compared to staying up to pray? From what I know, if you stay awake and pray, it’s considered Qiyam al-Layl instead. So I’m wondering if sleeping is a must for Tahajjud specifically. JazakAllah khair for any insights.

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sister1h

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True, the struggle of leaving a warm bed hits different. I read that Tahajjud is only after sleep, but Allah knows our intentions. May He accept all our night prayers.

sister1h

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I stay up sometimes due to work and pray Qiyam, but I miss that sleepy whisper to Allah. The scholars differ, but many say sleeping first is part of Tahajjud’s definition.

sister38m

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I've done both and honestly, waking up from sleep feels more sincere, like you’re fighting your nafs. My duas felt more heartfelt then. But if you can’t, Qiyam is still beautiful.

sister3s

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Sleep isn’t fardh for it to be valid, but it’s sunnah. I usually pray after Isha if I’m too tired, but my best duas were answered when I forced myself to wake up. SubhanAllah.

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