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
Key Takeaways Eating potassium-rich foods at dinner may help improve sleep quality and reduce insomnia.
—Mira Miller, Verywell Health, 14 June 2026
The overall work has driven innovations in PTSD treatment, unique needs of women veterans, insomnia, racial disparities in mental health treatment, isolation and trauma, connecting civilians to military community and veteran leadership and continuing service.
—Thr Staff, HollywoodReporter, 11 June 2026
When a veteran tries to stop, the same symptoms that cannabis seemed to quiet come roaring back in potentially dangerous ways – rebound insomnia and nightmares, worsening depression and, in some cases, thoughts of suicide.
—Joanna Fong-Isariyawongse, The Conversation, 11 June 2026
Chronic insomnia, sleep apnea, restless legs syndrome, nightmares, anxiety, depression and medication side effects that interfere with rest may all require care that goes beyond general bedtime tips.
—Emily Cegielski, Flow Space, 4 June 2026
See All Example Sentences for insomnia
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Mira Miller, Verywell Health, 14 June 2026
The overall work has driven innovations in PTSD treatment, unique needs of women veterans, insomnia, racial disparities in mental health treatment, isolation and trauma, connecting civilians to military community and veteran leadership and continuing service.
—Thr Staff, HollywoodReporter, 11 June 2026
When a veteran tries to stop, the same symptoms that cannabis seemed to quiet come roaring back in potentially dangerous ways – rebound insomnia and nightmares, worsening depression and, in some cases, thoughts of suicide.
—Joanna Fong-Isariyawongse, The Conversation, 11 June 2026
Chronic insomnia, sleep apnea, restless legs syndrome, nightmares, anxiety, depression and medication side effects that interfere with rest may all require care that goes beyond general bedtime tips.
—Emily Cegielski, Flow Space, 4 June 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 17 Jun. 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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