The “time to fall asleep” is the time between when you choose to go to sleep, and then actually “fall asleep”. It is also called sleep latency by sleep professionals, sleep technicians and physicians. This is the time when your mind begins to shut down so that your mind and body can move into a rest, recovery and recharge period of sleep. The typical time range for a healthy adult is a few minutes up to 20 or 30 minutes to fall asleep.