insomnio
/inˈsomnjo/masculine
Insomnia in Spanish is insomnio.
The word insomnio is a noun referring to a sleeping disorder. When you want to express that you have the condition, it is most common to use the verb tener (to have) rather than estar (to be). If you need to describe a person who suffers from this condition, use the adjective insomne.
Meaning: sleeping disorder (noun)
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Spain, the most common term is insomnio, whereas in Mexico, insomnia can be referred to as desvelo.
How does it change in a sentence?
Because insomnio is a masculine noun, it is used with the masculine definite article el.
How do you pronounce it?
/inˈsomnjo/
Did you know?
- The verb desvelar can mean to keep someone awake, but in some contexts, it can also mean to reveal a secret or a mystery.
- Spanish speakers often use the phrase pasar una noche en vela to describe the act of staying awake, which literally means spending a night 'in candlelight'.
- The adjective insomne is frequently used in Spanish poetry and literature to describe a night that feels endless or sleepless, even if no person is actually awake.
Examples in context
- ¿Padece usted de insomnio?Do you suffer from insomnia?This sentence is useful for asking if someone suffers from insomnio.Tatoeba #1643617 by ildefonk, translation #3823546 by CK
- Tengo insomnio.I have insomnia.This sentence is useful for saying you have insomnio.Tatoeba #6611808 by arh, translation #5850486 by CK
- Tom tiene insomnio.Tom has insomnia.This sentence is useful for saying Tom has insomnio.Tatoeba #1237597 by hayastan, translation #1177524 by CK
- El insomnio es un problema común que afecta la calidad del sueño.Insomnia is a common problem that affects sleep quality.
- El trastorno del sueño, específicamente el insomnio, plantea grandes desafíos para la salud pública.Sleep disorders, specifically insomnia, present significant challenges to public health.
- No puedo dormir últimamente, siempre tengo problemas de sueño.I can't sleep lately, I always have sleep problems.
- 2 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Elena and Mateo are talking about their sleep quality during breakfast.
- ElenaTe ves muy cansado hoy, Mateo.You look very tired today, Mateo.
- MateoSí, estoy luchando contra el insomnio.Yes, I am struggling with insomnia.
- ElenaDeberías ir al médico pronto.You should go to the doctor soon.
- MateoTienes razón, pediré una cita.You are right, I will make an appointment.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “insomnia” translations and entries insomnio, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
