The condition of being unable to sleep, or having great difficulty falling or staying asleep, even when you want to.
From Latin 'insomnia' meaning 'sleeplessness', from 'in-' (not) + 'somnus' (sleep). It entered English medical vocabulary in the 17th century.
Insomnia isn’t just ‘not tired’; it’s often your brain stuck in overdrive when your body wants to power down. The paradox is brutal: the more you try to force sleep, the more alert your brain becomes.
Insomnia has been reported and diagnosed differently across genders, with women’s sleep problems sometimes dismissed as anxiety or stress tied to caregiving roles rather than treated as medical issues. Research on insomnia has also historically underrepresented women’s specific experiences.
When discussing insomnia, avoid trivializing it as mere worry, especially for women balancing multiple roles. Use language that recognizes it as a legitimate health concern for all genders.
["chronic difficulty sleeping","sleep disorder"]
Acknowledge women researchers and clinicians who have advanced understanding of sleep disorders, and the impact of unpaid care work on sleep health.
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