Fiveable
Fiveable

Insomnia

Definition

Insomnia is a common sleep disorder characterized by difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep, or both. This results in inadequate rest and can affect performance during waking hours.

Analogy

Imagine trying to catch a train that never stops at your station. No matter how hard you try to board it (fall asleep), it just keeps passing by. That's what insomnia feels like for many people - an elusive train of sleep that they can't seem to catch.

Related terms

Sleep Hygiene: Refers to habits and practices conducive to sleeping well on a regular basis.

Circadian Rhythm Disorders: These disorders involve disruptions in the normal timing patterns of sleep due to various factors such as shift work or jet lag.

Hypersomnia: A condition characterized by excessive daytime sleepiness or prolonged nighttime sleep.

collegeable - rocket pep

Are you a college student?

  • Study guides for the entire semester

  • 200k practice questions

  • Glossary of 50k key terms - memorize important vocab



© 2024 Fiveable Inc. All rights reserved.

AP® and SAT® are trademarks registered by the College Board, which is not affiliated with, and does not endorse this website.


© 2024 Fiveable Inc. All rights reserved.

AP® and SAT® are trademarks registered by the College Board, which is not affiliated with, and does not endorse this website.