HaRav Chaim Weg
Answer: The term "gezel sheinah" is based on a pasuk in Mishlei (4:16). Although the term is not found in the earlier poskim, the Chafetz Chaim is quoted (in the sefer "Chafetz Chaim: Chayav Umifalav") as saying that preventing a person from sleeping is considered to be gezel sheinah, "stealing" their sleep.
Most recent poskim explain that according to the Chafetz Chaim, one does not actually violate the prohibition of stealing, since one does not actually take a tangible item from another person. Rather, he meant that one may violate the issur of ona'as devarim, speaking words that are hurtful to others. This can include other non-monetary suffering, such as preventing someone from sleeping, which may affect his proper functioning during the day.
In addition, one may be guilty of not fulfilling the mitzvah of ve'ahavta l're'acha kamocha, loving a person as one loves oneself. Since most people would not want their sleep to be disturbed, one should not disturb the sleep of others either (see Pischei Choshen, Geneiva, ch.15, footnote 3)
Based on these considerations, Reuven should not blow the shofar late at night if it prevents Shimon from sleeping. The fact that Reuven is practicing to perform a mitzvah does not matter, as that is not a valid consideration for causing pain to another Jew.
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