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
Two months in, my stress, emotional suppression and insomnia caught up to me.
—New York Times, 21 May 2025
Symptoms include tremors, insomnia, confusion, and diarrhea.
—Tom Gavin, EverydayHealth.com, 12 May 2025
While this 2019 study found that tart cherry supplements could relieve insomnia, more research is needed.
—Bronwyn Thompson, New Atlas, 11 May 2025
Common causes of insomnia are anxiety and health problems.
—Brigid Dwyer, Verywell Health, 19 May 2025
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New York Times, 21 May 2025
Symptoms include tremors, insomnia, confusion, and diarrhea.
—Tom Gavin, EverydayHealth.com, 12 May 2025
While this 2019 study found that tart cherry supplements could relieve insomnia, more research is needed.
—Bronwyn Thompson, New Atlas, 11 May 2025
Common causes of insomnia are anxiety and health problems.
—Brigid Dwyer, Verywell Health, 19 May 2025
See All Example Sentences for insomnia
Cite this Entry
“Insomnia.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/insomnia. Accessed 7 Jun. 2025.
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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