insomnia

noun

in-ˈsäm-nē-ə How to pronounce insomnia (audio)
Definition of insomnianext
as in restlessness
the inability to obtain adequate sleep has suffered from insomnia virtually his entire life

Synonyms & Similar Words

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Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Example Sentences

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 His first app was a minimalist white-noise tool for insomnia; his second, a to-do list for forgetful people. — Afra Wang, New Yorker, 23 Sep. 2026 Other studies have found that aromatherapy can be a helpful treatment for insomnia, the Mayo Clinic said. — Saman Shafiq, USA Today, 15 Sep. 2026 Immediate reactions during those instances include vomiting, insomnia and nightmares, the lawsuit claims. — Paula Wethington, CBS News, 10 Sep. 2026 Despite being prescribed over a dozen medications, Lindsay’s anxiety, depression and insomnia worsen. — Selena Barrientos, PEOPLE, 4 Sep. 2026 See All Example Sentences for insomnia
Recent Examples of Synonyms for insomnia
  1. restlessness
  2. wakefulness
  3. sleeplessness
  4. alertness
Noun
  • With both of these planets transiting Air signs, there is a cerebral side to this alignment, presenting the opportunity to channel feelings of restlessness into something resourceful.
    — Valerie Mesa, PEOPLE, 25 Sep. 2026
  • Other common sleep issues that don’t affect the airways include movement disorders that cause nighttime restlessness or narcolepsy, a neurological disorder that affects the body’s sleep-wake cycles and causes excessive sleepiness.
    — Samantha Agate, Sacbee.com, 24 Sep. 2026
Definition of restlessness
Noun
  • Porodina is fascinated with hypnagogia, the threshold state between sleep and wakefulness.
    — Joelle Diderich, Footwear News, 23 Sep. 2026
  • Ninety-five out of 111 imaged cells lit up during slow-wave sleep and quiet, motionless wakefulness, and fell silent during running and REM sleep.
    — Jacek Krywko, ArsTechnica, 18 Sep. 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
Noun
  • Ellen displays intimacy with Lara in front of Ruby; Lara withholds and then offers attention; Ruby watches with envy, desire, and the alertness of a guest who cannot tell whether she is being welcomed or appraised.
    — Literary Hub, Literary Hub, 24 Sep. 2026
  • Kratom products contain chemicals that can increase alertness, physical energy, and talkativeness.
    — Ivan Pereira, ABC News, 23 Sep. 2026
Definition of alertness

Browse Nearby Words

insolvents
insomnia
insomniac
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Insomnia.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/insomnia. Accessed 9 Oct. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on insomnia

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about insomnia

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