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 story follows a musician plagued by insomnia who is pulled into an odyssey with a stranger who begins to unravel the very core of his existence. —Matt Grobar, Deadline, 3 Feb. 2025

More studies are needed to understand chamomile's role in insomnia and sleep quality. —Kirstyn Hill, Pharmd, Mph, Health, 3 Feb. 2025

More people are turning to marijuana for help, with promising results for those struggling with insomnia and other sleep disorders. —Tribune Content Agency, The Mercury News, 30 Jan. 2025

Poor sleep hygiene not only reduces the quality of your sleep but, according to a 2023 study, may contribute to the development of depression and insomnia. —Anna Haines, Forbes, 23 Jan. 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