Mac storage basics · Memory, swap and speed
What is the sleep image file, and can I delete it?
Short answer: A file macOS uses to save memory so the Mac can resume after deep sleep or power loss. It's managed by macOS; don't delete or disable it.
The sleep image is a file macOS uses to save memory contents so your Mac can resume after deep sleep or a power loss. It's managed by macOS in a protected system area and counted in System Data.
Don't delete or disable it to save space — it's recreated anyway, and turning off hibernation risks losing work if the battery runs out during sleep.