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

I was actually experiencing insomnia pretty intensely, and that experience informed that song.

From The Daily Beast

Although Chloe dominates the student body by day, at night insomnia dominates her.

From The Daily Beast

Note: Chronic deprivation has much more serious symptoms and you should seek a medical professional if you suffer from insomnia.

From The Daily Beast

There are his mind-altering insomnia and his addiction to his “me-machine,” his cellphone.

From The Daily Beast

How a Dutch social-media star and her strange aural stimuli helped combat my chronic insomnia.

From The Daily Beast

The cattle seem to suffer from insomnia occasionally, and the hot nights rouse their predatory instincts.

From Project Gutenberg

In delirium tremens, they relieve when there are great restlessness, insomnia, the general lowering of the nerve power.

From Project Gutenberg

You wouldn't look well, if you'd been suffering from Insomnia every Afternoon for a Week!

From Project Gutenberg

Another favourite anecdote in New York is that of the Philadelphian who went to a doctor and complained of insomnia.

From Project Gutenberg

For those who still, in spite of attention to these points, suffer from insomnia, the following hints will be of service.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• restlessness