Answer:
In Washington Irving's short story "Rip Van Winkle," there is evidence that Rip Van Winkle is asleep for a long period of time. This evidence includes Rip's long white beard, which is said to have grown to his waist, and the fact that his friends and family do not recognize him. Furthermore, it is stated that Rip has been asleep for twenty years, which is a long period of time for a person to remain asleep.