A sense amplifier is biased to reduce leakage current equalize matched transistor bias during an idle state. A first read select transistor couples a true bit line and a sense amplifier true (SAT) signal line and a second read select transistor couples a complement bit line and a sense amplifier complement (SAC) signal line. The SAT and SAC signal lines are precharged during a precharge state. An equalization circuit shorts the SAT and SAC signal lines during the precharge state. A differential sense amplifier circuit for latching the memory cell value is coupled to the SAT signal line and the SAC signal line. The precharge circuit and the differential sense amplifier circuit are turned off during a sleep state to cause the SAT and SAC signal lines to float. A sleep circuit shorts the SAT and SAC signal lines during the sleep state.