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

• restlessness
• wakefulness
• sleeplessness
• alertness

Examples of insomnia in a Sentence

has suffered from insomnia virtually his entire life

Recent Examples on the Web

Women under chronic stress are more susceptible to burnout, anxiety, depression and even physical health issues, such as insomnia and digestive problems. —Melanie Schild, Forbes.com, 26 June 2025

To better understand the cause of her chronic pain and insomnia, Liz Tenuto majored in psychology. —Renée Onque, CNBC, 25 June 2025

Despite his best efforts to prepare for the performances, Jackson was reportedly experiencing insomnia. —Alex Gurley, People.com, 25 June 2025

At the same time as the psilocybin policy change was announced, New Zealand announced plans to loosen restrictions on melatonin, which is used to treat insomnia and is sold over the counter in many other places. —Chad De Guzman, Time, 18 June 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