insomnia

noun

in-ˈsäm-nē-ə How to pronounce insomnia (audio)
Definition of insomnianext
as in restlessness
the inability to obtain adequate sleep has suffered from insomnia virtually his entire life

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of insomnia Native to the Pacific Islands, its active compounds (kavalactones) act directly on the brain's GABA receptors much like a mild sedative and are typically used for acute anxiety or insomnia. — Jesse Pines, Forbes.com, 4 July 2026 The ⁠Chaoyang district government’s statement said Liu had long suffered from insomnia and anxiety and his diary repeatedly mentioned ending his life. — Reuters, NBC news, 2 July 2026 Drinking too much coffee can cause side effects like insomnia, anxiety, heart palpitations, or stomach pain, Jirapinyo says. — Emily Kay Votruba, EverydayHealth.com, 2 July 2026 For people experiencing insomnia and other sleep issues, other supplements may also help improve rest. — Kirstyn Hill, Health, 1 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for insomnia
Recent Examples of Synonyms for insomnia
  1. restlessness
  2. wakefulness
  3. sleeplessness
  4. alertness
Noun
  • Your restlessness could tempt you to overindulge, overspend or seek validation, so check in with yourself first and foremost.
    — Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 3 July 2026
  • Generalized anxiety may manifest itself in depression, compulsion or restlessness.
    — BestReviews, Mercury News, 2 July 2026
Definition of restlessness
Noun
  • But in people with narcolepsy, such boundaries become blurred, allowing elements of sleep to intrude into wakefulness in varying ways.
    — Daryl Austin, USA Today, 8 July 2026
  • The clinical data demonstrated significant improvements in wakefulness and reductions in excessive daytime sleepiness at week eight, outperforming the placebo with a generally favorable safety profile.
    — Sasirekha Subramanian, Forbes.com, 29 June 2026
Definition of wakefulness
Noun
  • Walker goes on to explain that the 20-minute rule is designed to break the association of sleeplessness and frustration with your bed.
    — Sharon Brandwein, USA Today, 27 June 2026
  • This sleeplessness has reportedly persisted in jail.
    — Diego Lasarte, New Yorker, 21 Apr. 2026
Definition of sleeplessness
Noun
  • The goal is to anchor the body’s rhythms, sharpen daytime alertness and improve sleep timing.
    — Hanna Wickes, Charlotte Observer, 21 July 2026
  • Also, never swim after drinking alcohol or using marijuana or other substances that can impact alertness.
    — Katia Hetter, CNN Money, 18 July 2026
Definition of alertness

Browse Nearby Words

insolvents
insomnia
insomniac
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Insomnia.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/insomnia. Accessed 22 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on insomnia

Nglish: Translation of insomnia for Spanish Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about insomnia

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