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

Researchers from Yale analyzed the blood of 42 people who struggled with post-vaccination syndrome, which includes symptoms such as exercise intolerance, fatigue, brain fog, insomnia, and dizziness, according to Yale researchers. —People Staff, People.com, 25 Feb. 2025

Abruptly halting treatment with SSRIs can cause flu-like symptoms, restlessness, insomnia, anxiety, and an upset stomach, says Colin Davidson, PhD, a neuropharmacologist at the University of Central Lancashire in England. —Rob Williams, EverydayHealth.com, 20 Feb. 2025

The show follows a family of super-powered individuals who have lost their respective abilities due to chronic conditions, such as alcohol dependence and insomnia. —Kayti Burt, TIME, 14 Feb. 2025

Persistent sleep struggles, especially due to insomnia, can be a major disruption to your life. —Kirstyn Hill, Pharmd, Mph, Health, 3 Feb. 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