insomnia
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insomnia
The state of not being able to sleep even though you are tired. It can mean having difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep.
Wegen des Stresses bei der Arbeit leidet er seit Wochen an Schlaflosigkeit.
Because of stress at work, he has been suffering from insomnia for weeks.
The word is built logically: it consists of 'Schlaf' (sleep), the ending '-los' (without), and the ending '-igkeit', which describes a state. So it literally means the state of being without sleep.
Die ständige Schlaflosigkeit macht ihm zu schaffen.
The constant insomnia is really getting to him.
'Schlaflosigkeit' (insomnia) is very often combined with the verb 'leiden' (to suffer) and the preposition 'an' (from). Another common phrase is 'etwas gegen die Schlaflosigkeit tun' (to do something about the insomnia).
Viele Menschen leiden an Schlaflosigkeit.
Many people suffer from insomnia.
As the name of a condition, 'Schlaflosigkeit' (insomnia) is often used without an article, especially after prepositions or when speaking generally about the problem.
Er klagt über Schlaflosigkeit.
He complains of insomnia.
sleep disorder
'die Schlafstörung' and 'die Schlaflosigkeit' both have to do with problems sleeping. 'Schlafstörung' is the more general term. It includes problems falling asleep, staying asleep, or sleep that is not restful. 'Schlaflosigkeit' more specifically means the state of not being able to sleep, even though you are tired. The words can be confused because insomnia can be a type of sleep disorder. When talking generally about medical or long-term sleep problems, 'Schlafstörung' fits well. When someone is lying awake and cannot fall asleep, 'Schlaflosigkeit' is more precise.
Nach dem Streit leidet Mehmet unter Schlaflosigkeit und liegt stundenlang wach.
After the argument, Mehmet is suffering from insomnia and lies awake for hours.
Wegen seiner Schlafstörung ist Ben tagsüber oft sehr müde.
Because of his sleep disorder, Ben is often very tired during the day.