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

One of its key benefits is to improve insomnia and other sleep issues. —Kyle MacNeill, Vogue, 14 June 2024

Physical symptoms of high-functioning anxiety could include headaches, stomachaches, insomnia, excessive sweating, or racing heart beat, Reid says. —Lauryn Higgins, Flow Space, 14 June 2024

People who are physically ill, especially those with heart disease or high blood pressure, or who take certain medications, such as for depression, insomnia, or poor circulation, may be affected by extreme heat. —Staff Report, Hartford Courant, 14 June 2024

Over 94% of patients see improvement in hot flashes in three months, 93% of patients report less insomnia in the first five months and 92% claim their moods improved in just two months. —Amanda Gerut, Fortune, 31 May 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