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

On Reddit, Mangione’s alleged account also described suffering insomnia and gastrointestinal distress. —Sarah Emerson, Forbes, 10 Dec. 2024

People who experience mild insomnia every once in a while might benefit from trying dietary sources of melatonin instead, according to Tallavajhula. —Stephanie Brown, Verywell Health, 9 Dec. 2024

Improve Sleep Quality People with PCOS are at a higher risk of sleep conditions like insomnia and sleep apnea. —Joy Emeh, Health, 21 Nov. 2024

Using a weighted blanket overnight not only improves insomnia but mood as well, in addition to reducing the use of sleep medications, a review of existing studies has found. —New Atlas, 20 Oct. 2024

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