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insomnio

een-som-nyo/inˈsomnjo/

“insomnio” means “insomnia” in Spanish (medical or general inability to sleep).

insomnia

Also: sleeplessness
NounmB1
A wide-eyed owl sitting on a branch under a bright crescent moon, looking very alert while the rest of the forest is dark.

📝 In Action

No puedo dormir bien por el insomnio.

A2

I can't sleep well because of insomnia.

El estrés es una causa común del insomnio.

B1

Stress is a common cause of insomnia.

Existen muchos remedios naturales para combatir el insomnio crónico.

B2

There are many natural remedies to fight chronic insomnia.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • desvelo (sleeplessness)
  • vigilia (wakefulness)

Antonyms

  • sueño (sleep/sleepiness)
  • somnolencia (drowsiness)

Common Collocations

  • sufrir de insomnio – to suffer from insomnia
  • insomnio crónico – chronic insomnia
  • combatir el insomnio – to fight/combat insomnia

Idioms & Expressions

  • pasar la noche en vela – to stay awake all night (often due to insomnia)

Translate to Spanish

Words that translate to "insomnio" in Spanish:

insomnia→sleeplessness→

✏️ Quick Practice

Quick Quiz: insomnio

Question 1 of 3

How do you say 'I have insomnia' in Spanish?

📚 More Resources

👥 Word Family▼
insomne(sleepless/insomniac) — Adjective
sueño(sleep) — Noun
somnífero(sleeping pill) — Noun
🎵 Rhymes▼
📚 Etymology▼

From the Latin word 'insomnium,' where 'in-' means 'not' and 'somnus' means 'sleep.' It literally describes the state of being without sleep.

First recorded: 15th century

Cognates (Related words)

English: insomniaFrench: insomnieItalian: insonnia

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is 'insomnio' a formal word?

It is a standard word used in both medical settings and casual conversation. It's not overly formal, but it is accurate.

Can I use 'insomnio' for just one night of bad sleep?

Yes, though 'desvelo' or 'mala noche' are also common for occasional sleeplessness, 'insomnio' works for any instance of being unable to sleep.

What is the difference between 'insomnio' and 'insomne'?

'Insomnio' is the condition (the noun), while 'insomne' is the person who has it or the state of being sleepless (the adjective).