insomnia

noun

in·​som·​nia in-ˈsäm-nē-ə How to pronounce insomnia (audio)
: 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

Examples of insomnia in a Sentence

has suffered from insomnia virtually his entire life
Recent Examples on the Web There are several useful methods to treat the condition, including fixing your sleep hygiene and engaging in cognitive behavioral therapy specifically for insomnia. Cnn.com Wire Service, The Mercury News, 12 Mar. 2024 For these reasons, in its 2017 practice guidelines, the American Academy of Sleep Medicine recommended against using valerian for insomnia. Avery Hurt, Discover Magazine, 11 Mar. 2024 Jones now suffers from severe emotional distress, insomnia, PTSD, anxiety and depression. Grethel Aguila, Miami Herald, 27 Feb. 2024 Melatonin has not been shown to be effective for insomnia in any research trial. Karen Weintraub, USA TODAY, 29 Jan. 2024 Menopause: During menopause, more than four in five women experience hot flashes and night sweats, which contribute to sleep disturbances and insomnia. Barbara Rhoden, Fortune, 5 Mar. 2024 Symptoms of altitude sickness are usually mild and consist of headache, dizziness, nausea, fatigue and insomnia. Brian Strickland, The Conversation, 1 Mar. 2024 In 1828, the French hospital system alone prescribed tens of millions of leeches, for conditions ranging from insomnia to smallpox. Zoey Poll, New York Times, 16 Feb. 2024 This solo exhibit is the result of a year-long battle with insomnia stemming from a stroke. Kamren Curiel, Los Angeles Times, 15 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'insomnia.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Latin, from insomnis sleepless, from in- + somnus sleep — more at somnolent

First Known Use

1739, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of insomnia was in 1739

Dictionary Entries Near insomnia

Cite this Entry

“Insomnia.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/insomnia. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

insomnia

noun
in·​som·​nia in-ˈsäm-nē-ə How to pronounce insomnia (audio)
: prolonged inability to sleep

Medical Definition

insomnia

noun
in·​som·​nia in-ˈsäm-nē-ə How to pronounce insomnia (audio)
: prolonged and usually abnormal inability to obtain adequate sleep especially due to difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep

called also agrypnia

More from Merriam-Webster on insomnia

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!