insomnia

[ in-som-nee-uh ]

noun

1. inability to obtain sufficient sleep, especially when chronic; difficulty in falling or staying asleep; sleeplessness.

insomnia

/ ɪnˈsɒmnɪə /

noun

1. chronic inability to fall asleep or to enjoy uninterrupted sleep agrypnotic

insomnia

/ ĭn-sŏm′nē-ə /

1. Chronic inability to fall asleep or remain asleep for an adequate length of time.

insomnia

1. A persistent and prolonged inability to sleep.

Derived Forms

• inˈsomnious, adjective

Other Words From

• in·somni·ous adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of insomnia¹

First recorded in 1685–95; from Latin, equivalent to insomn(is) “sleepless” ( in- in- ³ + somn(us) “sleep” + -is, adjective suffix) + -ia -ia

Word History and Origins

Origin of insomnia¹

C18: from Latin, from insomnis sleepless, from somnus sleep

Example Sentences

Sangeeta, who goes by one name, is overwhelmed every day as she juggles work, household chores and childcare while enduring severe hot flashes, fatigue, insomnia, backache and abdominal pain.

From BBC

Judith Martinez, 32, a nonprofit founder in Los Angeles, says the election feels like an existential crisis and has contributed to bouts of insomnia.

From Los Angeles Times

As someone who has long suffered from insomnia and who feels energized when there are bits of whimsy in my day, I wondered: Has Nintendo just discovered a better way to wake up?

From Los Angeles Times

“People often talk about bedtime being at a certain time, but the reality is we cannot force ourselves to sleep without using some external means. Sleep happens on its own. We can force ourselves to wake up, so if we’re having issues with insomnia or maintaining a consistent schedule, the time to focus on is wake-up time.”

From Los Angeles Times

This, of course, doesn’t help my insomnia, as many a researcher will tell me that I’m training my body to not sleep while in bed.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• restlessness