diff --git a/adafruit_displayio_sh1106.py b/adafruit_displayio_sh1106.py
index 74d9ecf..79a00b0 100644
--- a/adafruit_displayio_sh1106.py
+++ b/adafruit_displayio_sh1106.py
@@ -108,7 +108,7 @@ def sleep(self) -> None:
             4) The MP can access (update) the built-in display RAM
         """
         if self._is_awake:
-            self.bus.send(0xAE, b"")  # 0xAE = display off, sleep mode
+            self.bus.send(0xAE, [])  # 0xAE = display off, sleep mode
             self._is_awake = False
 
     def wake(self) -> None:
@@ -116,5 +116,5 @@ def wake(self) -> None:
         Wake display from sleep mode
         """
         if not self._is_awake:
-            self.bus.send(0xAF, b"")  # 0xAF = display on
+            self.bus.send(0xAF, [])  # 0xAF = display on
             self._is_awake = True