What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
insomnia
Example
She suffered from insomnia and was unable to sleep for more than a few hours each night. [insomnia: noun]
Example
The doctor diagnosed him with insomnia and prescribed medication to help him sleep. [insomnia: noun]
sleeplessness
Example
I experienced sleeplessness the night before my big exam. [sleeplessness: noun]
Example
Her sleeplessness was caused by the stress of her job and personal life. [sleeplessness: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Sleeplessness is a more commonly used term than insomnia in everyday language. Sleeplessness is a casual term that people use to describe a temporary inability to sleep, while insomnia is a more formal term used in medical contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between insomnia and sleeplessness?
Insomnia is a more formal term used in medical contexts, while sleeplessness is a more casual term used in everyday language. Both words can be used in formal and informal contexts depending on the situation.
