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
Daniel J. BuysseExamples of insomnia in a Sentence
has suffered from insomnia virtually his entire life
Recent Examples on the Web
So insomnia, obesity, addiction.
—Torie Bosch, STAT, 25 Apr. 2026
Who’s Most Likely to Notice a Difference Both 2025 reviews note limited or mixed results for people with a clinical insomnia diagnosis.
—Allison Palmer, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 23 Apr. 2026
And if the issue is clinical insomnia, sleep apnea or something structural, this probably isn’t your answer.
—Allison Palmer, Charlotte Observer, 23 Apr. 2026
Several recent reviews have concluded that there is insufficient scientific evidence to support the therapeutic use of cannabis for most of the conditions for which it is consumed, such as insomnia and acute pain.
—William Garriott, The Conversation, 17 Apr. 2026
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Torie Bosch, STAT, 25 Apr. 2026
Who’s Most Likely to Notice a Difference Both 2025 reviews note limited or mixed results for people with a clinical insomnia diagnosis.
—Allison Palmer, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 23 Apr. 2026
And if the issue is clinical insomnia, sleep apnea or something structural, this probably isn’t your answer.
—Allison Palmer, Charlotte Observer, 23 Apr. 2026
Several recent reviews have concluded that there is insufficient scientific evidence to support the therapeutic use of cannabis for most of the conditions for which it is consumed, such as insomnia and acute pain.
—William Garriott, The Conversation, 17 Apr. 2026
See All Example Sentences for insomnia
Cite this Entry
“Insomnia.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/insomnia. Accessed 28 Apr. 2026.
Copy CitationKids 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
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