Crossword Genius

Hibernating snake took over shelter (6)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

asleep

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'hibernating' is the definition.
(similar in meaning)

'snake took over shelter' is the wordplay.
I cannot quite understand how this works, but
'shelter' could be 'lee' (as in lee side, the side sheltered from wind) and 'lee' is found within the answer.
'snake' could be 'asp' (asp is a kind of snake) and 'asp' is found in the remaining letters.
No letters remain.
This may be the basis of the clue (or it may be nonsense).

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for asleep that I've seen before include "in bed?" , "Napping" , "out like a light?" , "In the Land of Nod" , "Elapse (anag)" .)

I've seen this clue in the Sydney Morning Herald.
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