wakefulness

noun

as in insomnia
the inability to obtain adequate sleep a nagging wakefulness that seemed resistant to all of the standard home remedies

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Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of wakefulness Researchers in China used deep-learning algorithms to analyze REM sleep, deep sleep, light sleep, total sleep duration, wakefulness after sleep onset and sleep irregularity. — Melissa Rudy, FOXNews.com, 9 Oct. 2026 Porodina is fascinated with hypnagogia, the threshold state between sleep and wakefulness. — Joelle Diderich, Footwear News, 23 Sep. 2026 Ninety-five out of 111 imaged cells lit up during slow-wave sleep and quiet, motionless wakefulness, and fell silent during running and REM sleep. — Jacek Krywko, ArsTechnica, 18 Sep. 2026 In reality, evening light is one of many factors that can influence the transition from wakefulness to sleep. — Ascend Agency, New York Daily News, 11 Sep. 2026 Orexins help regulate wakefulness, as well as attention, motivation and the brain’s reward system. — Harriet Marsden, TheWeek, 20 Aug. 2026 But in people with narcolepsy, such boundaries become blurred, allowing elements of sleep to intrude into wakefulness in varying ways. — Daryl Austin, USA Today, 8 July 2026 The clinical data demonstrated significant improvements in wakefulness and reductions in excessive daytime sleepiness at week eight, outperforming the placebo with a generally favorable safety profile. — Sasirekha Subramanian, Forbes.com, 29 June 2026 Daytime light helps set the body’s circadian rhythms, which play an important role in sleep, wakefulness, and other brain and body functions. — Emily Kay Votruba, EverydayHealth.com, 25 June 2026
Recent Examples of Synonyms for wakefulness
  1. insomnia
  2. restlessness
  3. alertness
Noun
  • In 2025, nearly half of American women between 40 and 60 reported at least one symptom of menopause, such as hot flashes, insomnia, or night sweats.
    — Amanda Erickson, STAT, 20 Oct. 2026
  • The doctor's group, known as ACOG, recommends hormone replacement therapy alongside certain antidepressants, nonhormonal medicines, and other treatments to address symptoms like hot flashes, insomnia and mood swings.
    — Shannon Firth, NPR, 16 Oct. 2026
Definition of insomnia
Noun
  • Cheng told Hackensack Meridian Health that drinking caffeine during this window can temporarily raise cortisol even further, potentially contributing to feelings of anxiety or restlessness.
    — Hanna Wickes, Kansas City Star, 15 Oct. 2026
  • Pouring caffeine on top of that peak can push cortisol even higher, which Cheng said may contribute to anxiety and restlessness.
    — Hanna Wickes, Charlotte Observer, 15 Oct. 2026
Definition of restlessness
Noun
  • In low doses, the kratom plant is promoted as giving users greater alertness and physical energy but it is not approved by the Food and Drug Administration for medical use.
    — Karen Garcia, Los Angeles Times, 23 Oct. 2026
  • Shorter days alter light exposure, which affects circadian rhythms, the internal biological processes that regulate sleep, alertness and mood.
    — Hanna Wickes, Sacbee.com, 23 Oct. 2026
Definition of alertness

Browse Nearby Words

wakeful
wakefulness
waken
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Cite this Entry

“Wakefulness.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/wakefulness. Accessed 28 Oct. 2026.

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