insomnia

noun

in·​som·​nia in-ˈsäm-nē-ə 

: prolonged and usually abnormal inability to get enough sleep especially due to trouble falling asleep or staying asleep

chronic insomnia

Insomnia is a patient-reported problem characterized by difficulty falling asleep or difficulty maintaining sleep; ie, frequent awakenings, difficulty returning to sleep after awakenings, or awakening too early with inability to return to sleep.

—Daniel J. Buysse

Synonyms

• sleeplessness
• wakefulness

Examples of insomnia in a Sentence

has suffered from insomnia virtually his entire life

Recent Examples on the Web

The effects of paradoxical insomnia are distressing. —Smita Patel, Verywell Health, 28 Apr. 2025

Delta 9 also produces the most psychoactive effects and can be used for a variety of reasons, including to help with anxiety, insomnia, low appetite, muscle pain and nausea. —Greta Cross, USA Today, 18 Apr. 2025

Safer sleep alternatives Patients suffering from insomnia and other sleep issues should try making lifestyle changes and cognitive behavioral therapy before being placed on lorazepam, Rohrscheib advised. —Khloe Quill, FOXNews.com, 31 Mar. 2025

Symptoms specific to spring and summer SAD can include agitation, anxiety, irritability, insomnia, and loss of appetite, Dr. Bacow says. —Carolyn L. Todd, SELF, 26 Mar. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Latin, from insomnis sleepless, from in- + somnus sleep — more at somnolent

First Known Use

1739, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

insomnia

noun

in·​som·​nia in-ˈsäm-nē-ə 

: prolonged inability to sleep

Medical Definition

insomnia

noun

in·​som·​nia in-ˈsäm-nē-ə 

: prolonged and usually abnormal inability to obtain adequate sleep especially due to difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep

called also agrypnia