INSOMNIA Synonyms: 7 Similar and Opposite Words

insomnia

noun

in-ˈsäm-nē-ə

Definition of insomnia

as in restlessness

the inability to obtain adequate sleep has suffered from insomnia virtually his entire life

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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 People often reach for supplements when shift work, frequent travel or insomnia throws off their sleep patterns. — Samantha Agate, Charlotte Observer, 25 Oct. 2026 Can pistachios fix insomnia or other sleep problems in the household? — Samantha Agate, Kansas City Star, 25 Oct. 2026 In 2025, nearly half of American women between 40 and 60 reported at least one symptom of menopause, such as hot flashes, insomnia, or night sweats. — Amanda Erickson, STAT, 20 Oct. 2026 The doctor's group, known as ACOG, recommends hormone replacement therapy alongside certain antidepressants, nonhormonal medicines, and other treatments to address symptoms like hot flashes, insomnia and mood swings. — Shannon Firth, NPR, 16 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for insomnia

Recent Examples of Synonyms for insomnia

Noun

Cheng told Hackensack Meridian Health that drinking caffeine during this window can temporarily raise cortisol even further, potentially contributing to feelings of anxiety or restlessness.

— Hanna Wickes, Kansas City Star, 15 Oct. 2026
Pouring caffeine on top of that peak can push cortisol even higher, which Cheng said may contribute to anxiety and restlessness.

— Hanna Wickes, Charlotte Observer, 15 Oct. 2026

Definition of restlessness

Noun

Identified through foundational neuroscience research, the Sleep Onset Pattern is a distinctive brainwave signature that marks the brain's natural transition from wakefulness toward sleep.

— New Atlas, New Atlas, 3 Nov. 2026
The science behind sleep paralysis Sharpless says that a brain stuck between dreams and wakefulness produces this phenomenon.

— RJ Mackenzie, Popular Science, 29 Oct. 2026

Definition of wakefulness

Noun

If a woman’s brain fog is recorded as early signs of dementia, her anxiety as psychiatric condition, or her sleeplessness as an isolated complaint, the symptom or misdiagnosis may enter the medical record, but its connection to menopause disappears.

— Yulin Hswen, STAT, 27 Aug. 2026
Symptoms Symptoms can include sleeplessness, extreme worry about the baby or childbirth, restlessness and a racing heartbeat.

— Jen Christensen, CNN Money, 13 Aug. 2026

Definition of sleeplessness

Browse Nearby Words

insolvents

insomnia

insomniac

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“Insomnia.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/insomnia. Accessed 6 Nov. 2026.

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Synonyms of insomnia

noun

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