Are you feeling tired but can't fall asleep? That feeling is called 失眠 (shīmián) in Chinese. It means insomnia, or simply, not being able to sleep. When someone says他们失眠了 (tāmen shīmián le), they mean they have insomnia. It's a common problem when you're stressed or have too much on your mind. So, if you're tossing and turning, you are experiencing 失眠.
When you just can't fall asleep, or you wake up and can't go back to sleep, that's 失眠 (shīmián). It literally means 'lose sleep'. You can say you 'have insomnia' with 有失眠 (yǒu shīmián). For example, if you say '我昨晚失眠了' (wǒ zuówǎn shīmián le), it means 'I had insomnia last night'.
You can also use 失眠 as a verb, like '她最近失眠' (tā zuìjìn shīmián), meaning 'She's been losing sleep recently'. It’s a common word to describe trouble sleeping, whether it's for one night or a longer period. It's often used when talking about how you feel after a bad night's sleep.
When we talk about sleep, one common issue that comes up is 失眠 (shī mián), which means insomnia or the inability to sleep. This isn't just about occasionally having trouble falling asleep; it refers to a more persistent problem. If someone tells you they have 失眠, it means they frequently struggle to get a good night's rest.
For example, if a friend says, “我最近常常失眠” (wǒ zuìjìn chángcháng shīmián), they're telling you they've been experiencing insomnia often lately. You might also hear it in a sentence like, “失眠对健康不好” (shīmián duì jiànkāng bù hǎo), meaning insomnia is not good for your health. So, remember, 失眠 is the word to use when discussing persistent sleep difficulties.
When we talk about sleep problems in Chinese, a key term you'll hear is 失眠 (shīmián). This word directly translates to insomnia or the inability to sleep. It's often used as a noun, like saying "I suffer from insomnia," but you can also use it to describe the state of not being able to sleep. For example, if someone says they're having a lot of trouble sleeping, you might ask, "你是失眠了吗？(Nǐ shì shīmián le ma?)" which means "Are you experiencing insomnia?"
失眠 in 30 Seconds
- 失眠 (shīmián) means insomnia or inability to sleep.
- It's a common A2-level noun.
- Often used to describe a state of not getting enough sleep.
§ Understanding 失眠 in Context
Alright, let's get straight to it. You know that 失眠 (shīmián) means 'insomnia' or 'inability to sleep'. Now, let's look at how to actually use it when you're speaking or writing Chinese. It's pretty straightforward, but there are a few common patterns that will make you sound more natural.
§ As a Noun: 'Insomnia'
The most direct way to use 失眠 is as a noun. It refers to the condition itself. You can talk about experiencing it or suffering from it.
- Common Verbs with 失眠
- 有 (yǒu) - to have
- 患 (huàn) - to suffer from (often used for illnesses/conditions)
- 导致 (dǎozhì) - to lead to, cause
- 改善 (gǎishàn) - to improve
他有严重的失眠问题。
Tā yǒu yánzhòng de shīmián wèntí. (He has a serious insomnia problem.)
长期压力会导致失眠。
Chángqí yālì huì dǎozhì shīmián. (Long-term stress can lead to insomnia.)
§ As a Verb: 'To Suffer from Insomnia'
Here's where it gets really useful. 失眠 can also function as a verb, meaning 'to be unable to sleep' or 'to suffer from insomnia'. You'll hear this a lot in daily conversation.
- Structure for Verb Use
- Subject + 失眠 (+ time/duration)
我昨晚失眠了。
Wǒ zuówǎn shīmián le. (I had insomnia last night / I couldn't sleep last night.)
他最近经常失眠。
Tā zuìjìn jīngcháng shīmián. (He often suffers from insomnia recently.)
§ Modifying 失眠 with Adverbs
You can also use adverbs to describe the degree or frequency of 失眠.
- Common Adverbs
- 严重 (yánzhòng) - severely
- 经常 (jīngcháng) - often
- 偶尔 (ǒu'ěr) - occasionally
- 整晚 (zhěngwǎn) - all night
她因为太兴奋而失眠了整晚。
Tā yīnwèi tài xīngfèn ér shīmián le zhěngwǎn. (She couldn't sleep all night because she was too excited.)
我最近工作压力大，有点失眠。
Wǒ zuìjìn gōngzuò yālì dà, yǒudiǎn shīmián. (My work stress is high recently, so I have a bit of insomnia.)
§ Related Phrases and Expressions
While 失眠 is the main word, knowing a few related phrases will make your conversation even smoother.
- 睡不着 (shuì bù zháo): This literally means 'cannot fall asleep'. It's a very common, more casual way to say you're having trouble sleeping, similar to 'can't sleep' in English. It's often interchangeable with 失眠, especially in daily talk.
- 辗转反侧 (zhǎnzhuǎn fǎncè): This is a more literary or expressive phrase meaning 'to toss and turn in bed, unable to sleep'. You'd use this to describe a really restless night.
我今天晚上睡不着。
Wǒ jīntiān wǎnshang shuì bù zháo. (I can't sleep tonight.)
他一夜辗转反侧，最终还是失眠。
Tā yīyè zhǎnzhuǎn fǎncè, zuìzhōng háishì shīmián. (He tossed and turned all night, ultimately still suffering from insomnia.)
§ Putting It All Together
The key is to practice. Try to use 失眠 in different sentence structures. Remember, whether you use it as a noun or a verb, the meaning is clear: someone isn't getting their sleep.
医生建议她服用安眠药来改善失眠。
Yīshēng jiànyì tā fúyòng ānmiányào lái gǎishàn shīmián. (The doctor advised her to take sleeping pills to improve her insomnia.)
工作太忙，我常常失眠。
Gōngzuò tài máng, wǒ chángcháng shīmián. (Work is too busy, I often suffer from insomnia.)
§ 失眠 (shīmián) - In Real Life
You've learned that 失眠 (shīmián) means 'insomnia' or 'inability to sleep.' Now, let's look at where you'll actually encounter this word in everyday Chinese conversations and media. This isn't just about textbooks; it's about practical usage.
§ Everyday Conversations & Health Discussions
This is probably the most common place you'll hear 失眠. People talk about their health, and sleep is a big part of that. If someone is looking tired or complaining about not sleeping well, 失眠 will likely come up.
- DEFINITION
- When people discuss their sleep patterns or lack thereof.
我最近总是失眠，睡不好。(Wǒ zuìjìn zǒng shì shīmián, shuì bù hǎo.)
Translation hint: I recently always have insomnia, can't sleep well.
他因为压力太大而失眠。(Tā yīnwèi yālì tài dà ér shīmián.)
Translation hint: He has insomnia because of too much stress.
§ Medical Contexts & Advertisements
When you go to a doctor, read health articles, or see ads for sleep aids, you'll definitely encounter 失眠. It's the standard medical term for insomnia.
- DEFINITION
- In discussions about health issues, treatments, or remedies related to sleep.
这种药对治疗失眠很有效。(Zhè zhǒng yào duì zhìliáo shīmián hěn yǒuxiào.)
Translation hint: This medicine is very effective for treating insomnia.
长期失眠会导致其他健康问题。(Chángqī shīmián huì dǎozhì qítā jiànkāng wèntí.)
Translation hint: Long-term insomnia can lead to other health problems.
§ News & Current Events
Sometimes, 失眠 can appear in news reports, especially when discussing public health trends, studies on sleep, or the impact of modern lifestyles on health. While less frequent than daily conversations, it's still a relevant context.
- DEFINITION
- In reports or articles discussing health trends or societal issues related to sleep.
一项调查显示，城市居民的失眠问题日益严重。(Yī xiàng diàochá xiǎnshì, chéngshì jūmín de shīmián wèntí rìyì yánzhòng.)
Translation hint: A survey shows that urban residents' insomnia problem is increasingly serious.
§ Social Media & Online Forums
People often share their personal experiences and struggles on social media platforms and health forums. It's a common topic for discussion, especially among young people facing academic or work pressure.
- DEFINITION
- Personal anecdotes, advice-seeking, or sharing experiences related to sleep difficulties.
求助！最近压力大，每晚都失眠怎么办？(Qiúzhù! Zuìjìn yālì dà, měi wǎn dōu shīmián zěnme bàn?)
Translation hint: Help! Recently, I'm stressed, every night I have insomnia, what should I do?
§ Workplace & School
While less direct, the effects of 失眠 can be discussed in work or school environments, especially when someone's performance is affected, or when discussing stress and well-being among colleagues or classmates.
- DEFINITION
- When discussing the impact of stress or workload on personal health, including sleep.
他因为经常加班而导致失眠。(Tā yīnwèi jīngcháng jiābān ér dǎozhì shīmián.)
Translation hint: He has insomnia due to frequent overtime.
By paying attention to these contexts, you'll not only understand what 失眠 means but also when and why people use it. This real-world application is key to becoming fluent and practical in Chinese.
§ Don't Confuse it with 'Can't Sleep' Generally
Many learners, especially at the A2 level, tend to use 失眠 (shīmián) too broadly. While 失眠 means 'insomnia,' it's more specific than just saying 'I can't sleep.' If you just had a bad night, or you're too excited to sleep, that's not necessarily 失眠. 失眠 implies a more chronic or significant inability to sleep, often related to a condition or prolonged issue.
Consider the difference in English. You wouldn't say 'I have insomnia' if you just stayed up late playing games. You'd say 'I couldn't sleep.' The same nuance applies to Chinese.
我昨晚太兴奋了，睡不着。
- Translation hint: I was too excited last night, I couldn't sleep.
§ Using 失眠 as a Verb Directly
While 失眠 is a noun, it can function like a verb when you say you 'have insomnia' or 'suffer from insomnia.' However, you can't just put it after a subject in the same way you would a regular verb. You often need to add a verb like 有 (yǒu - to have) or 患 (huàn - to suffer from, usually for illness).
他最近有失眠的问题。
- Translation hint: He recently has insomnia problems.
她因为压力大而患有失眠症。
- Translation hint: She suffers from insomnia due to stress.
- Common Error
- 我失眠了 (Wǒ shīmián le) - While this is sometimes used colloquially, it's more precise to say 我有失眠 (Wǒ yǒu shīmián) or 我失眠了 (Wǒ shīmián le) to mean 'I became insomniac' or 'I experienced insomnia.' For ongoing issues, 有 is better.
§ Adding Redundant Words
Sometimes learners add words that aren't necessary. For instance, you might be tempted to say 睡失眠 (shuì shīmián), meaning 'sleep insomnia.' This is redundant. 失眠 already means 'insomnia' or 'inability to sleep.'
- Incorrect
- 我昨晚睡失眠了。(Wǒ zuówǎn shuì shīmián le.)
- Correct
- 我昨晚失眠了。(Wǒ zuówǎn shīmián le.) - I had insomnia last night.
Keep it simple. 失眠 is already a clear and concise term. Adding extra words often makes it sound unnatural or incorrect.
§ Understanding 失眠
Alright, let's talk about how to say you can't sleep in Chinese. The main word you'll use is 失眠 (shīmián). It's a pretty straightforward term and covers the general idea of insomnia or not being able to fall asleep or stay asleep.
- DEFINITION
- Insomnia; inability to sleep.
我最近总是失眠。
Translation hint: I've been insomniac lately.
他因为压力太大而失眠。
Translation hint: He suffers from insomnia due to too much stress.
§ Similar Words and When to Use Them
While 失眠 is your go-to for insomnia, there are other ways to talk about not sleeping well. It's important to know the differences so you use the right one.
- 睡不着 (shuì bù zháo): This is very common and simply means 'cannot fall asleep'. It's more about the immediate inability to initiate sleep, rather than a chronic condition like insomnia.
我晚上喝了咖啡，所以现在睡不着。
Translation hint: I drank coffee last night, so now I can't fall asleep.
- 睡不好 (shuì bù hǎo): This means 'didn't sleep well' or 'bad sleep quality'. It's broader than 睡不着 and can refer to restless sleep, waking up frequently, or just not feeling rested after sleeping. You might have fallen asleep, but the quality wasn't good.
昨天晚上我睡不好，现在有点累。
Translation hint: I didn't sleep well last night, I'm a bit tired now.
- 熬夜 (áo yè): This means to 'stay up late' or 'pull an all-nighter'. It's a voluntary action, unlike 失眠, which is involuntary. You're choosing not to sleep, even if you could.
他为了完成工作，经常熬夜。
Translation hint: He often stays up late to finish his work.
§ Key Takeaways
To sum it up:
- 失眠 (shīmián): Use this for chronic or medical insomnia. It's a noun or a verb meaning 'to suffer from insomnia'.
- 睡不着 (shuì bù zháo): Use this when you can't fall asleep in a specific instance.
- 睡不好 (shuì bù hǎo): Use this when you slept, but the quality was poor.
- 熬夜 (áo yè): Use this when you voluntarily stay up late.
Remember these distinctions, and you'll be able to talk about your sleep (or lack thereof) much more accurately in Chinese. Keep practicing!
Fun Fact
The character 眠 (mián) itself is a phono-semantic compound. The top part, 目 (mù), means 'eye' and is the semantic component, indicating something related to the eyes or seeing. The bottom part, 民 (mín), is the phonetic component, providing the sound. So, 'eye' + 'sound of mín' gives 'sleep', as when you sleep, your eyes are often closed.
Pronunciation Guide
- She-Me-An instead of Shee-Mian
Difficulty Rating
short and common characters
short and common characters
two syllables, clear tones
distinct sounds
What to Learn Next
Prerequisites
Learn Next
Advanced
Grammar to Know
失眠 is commonly used with verbs like 患 (huàn, to suffer from) or 经历 (jīnglì, to experience) to describe having insomnia.
他最近总是患失眠。 (Tā zuìjìn zǒng shì huàn shīmián.) - He has been suffering from insomnia recently.
It can be used as a predicate directly to indicate the state of being unable to sleep.
昨晚我失眠了。 (Zuó wǎn wǒ shīmián le.) - I had insomnia last night.
失眠 can also be used with degree adverbs like 严重 (yánzhòng, severe) to describe the severity of insomnia.
她失眠很严重。 (Tā shīmián hěn yánzhòng.) - Her insomnia is very severe.
When talking about the cause of insomnia, you can use 因为 (yīnwèi, because) before the reason and 失眠 after the reason.
因为压力大，我开始失眠。 (Yīnwèi yālì dà, wǒ kāishǐ shīmián.) - Because of high stress, I started to have insomnia.
To ask someone if they have insomnia, you can use the structure 你失眠吗？ (Nǐ shīmián ma?) or 你有没有失眠？ (Nǐ yǒu méiyǒu shīmián?)
你最近失眠吗？ (Nǐ zuìjìn shīmián ma?) - Have you had insomnia recently?
Examples by Level
我昨天晚上失眠了。
I / yesterday / night / insomnia / (completed action particle).
他常常失眠。
He / often / insomnia.
你为什么失眠？
You / why / insomnia?
失眠让我很累。
Insomnia / make / me / very / tired.
她因为工作压力大而失眠。
She / because / work / pressure / big / and / insomnia.
我睡不着，可能是失眠了。
I / sleep / not able to / maybe / insomnia / (completed action particle).
医生说他有点失眠。
Doctor / say / he / a little / insomnia.
失眠的时候我喜欢听音乐。
Insomnia / when / I / like / listen / music.
我昨晚失眠了。
I had insomnia last night.
她经常失眠。
She often suffers from insomnia.
失眠让我很累。
Insomnia makes me very tired.
你为什么失眠？
Why are you insomniac?
他吃了药，但还是失眠。
He took medicine, but still had insomnia.
我担心考试，所以失眠了。
I was worried about the exam, so I had insomnia.
失眠对身体不好。
Insomnia is not good for your health.
医生说我需要放松，才不会失眠。
The doctor said I need to relax so I won't have insomnia.
他最近工作压力很大，所以经常失眠。
He's been under a lot of work pressure recently, so he often suffers from insomnia.
睡前喝杯热牛奶有助于缓解失眠。
Drinking a cup of hot milk before bed helps relieve insomnia.
我昨晚失眠了，只睡了三个小时。
I had insomnia last night and only slept for three hours.
长期失眠对身体健康有很大的影响。
Long-term insomnia has a significant impact on physical health.
医生建议她多运动来改善失眠问题。
The doctor advised her to exercise more to improve her insomnia.
考试前我很紧张，导致了失眠。
I was very nervous before the exam, which led to insomnia.
她因为想太多而失眠。
She couldn't sleep because she was thinking too much.
失眠让他白天总是感到疲倦。
Insomnia makes him feel tired all day.
他最近工作压力很大，常常失眠。
He's been under a lot of work pressure recently, often suffering from insomnia.
常常 (chángcháng) means 'often'.
你有什么好办法治疗失眠吗？
Do you have any good ways to treat insomnia?
治疗 (zhìliáo) means 'to treat'.
考试前一晚，我紧张得失眠了。
The night before the exam, I was so nervous I couldn't sleep.
紧张 (jǐnzhāng) means 'nervous'.
长期失眠对身体健康不好。
Long-term insomnia is not good for physical health.
长期 (chángqī) means 'long-term'.
她因为想家而失眠。
She couldn't sleep because she missed home.
因为...而... (yīnwèi...ér...) is a common structure meaning 'because...therefore...'.
喝太多咖啡会导致失眠。
Drinking too much coffee can lead to insomnia.
导致 (dǎozhì) means 'to lead to/cause'.
医生建议他多运动来缓解失眠。
The doctor advised him to exercise more to relieve insomnia.
缓解 (huǎnjiě) means 'to relieve/alleviate'.
自从有了孩子，她就常常失眠。
Ever since having a child, she often suffers from insomnia.
自从 (zìcóng) means 'ever since'.
他最近工作壓力太大，常常失眠。
He's been under too much work pressure recently, often suffering from insomnia.
常常 (chángcháng) means 'often'.
失眠會影響身體健康和精神狀態。
Insomnia can affect physical health and mental state.
影響 (yǐngxiǎng) means 'to affect' or 'to influence'.
醫生建議她睡前喝杯熱牛奶，希望能改善失眠。
The doctor suggested she drink a cup of hot milk before bed, hoping to improve her insomnia.
改善 (gǎishàn) means 'to improve'.
長期失眠可能會導致注意力不集中。
Long-term insomnia might lead to difficulty concentrating.
導致 (dǎozhì) means 'to lead to' or 'to cause'.
她因為咖啡喝太多而失眠了一整晚。
She couldn't sleep all night because she drank too much coffee.
一整晚 (yī zhěng wǎn) means 'the whole night'.
失眠對老年人的影響尤其嚴重。
Insomnia has a particularly severe impact on elderly people.
尤其 (yóuqí) means 'especially' or 'particularly'.
他正在尋找治療失眠的有效方法。
He is looking for effective ways to treat insomnia.
治療 (zhìliáo) means 'to treat' or 'treatment'.
儘管很累，他還是因為失眠而翻來覆去。
Despite being very tired, he still tossed and turned due to insomnia.
翻來覆去 (fānláifùqù) means 'to toss and turn'.
Often Confused With
While '睡不着' (can't sleep) describes the inability to fall asleep, '失眠' (insomnia) is the noun referring to the condition itself. You can say '我失眠了' (I have insomnia) or '我睡不着' (I can't sleep). Both are correct, but '失眠' is more formal or clinical.
'缺觉' means 'lack of sleep' or 'sleep deprivation.' While insomnia can cause a lack of sleep, '缺觉' is a broader term for not getting enough sleep for any reason, whereas '失眠' specifically refers to the inability to sleep.
'睡不好' means 'didn't sleep well.' This could be due to insomnia, but it could also be due to other factors like noise or an uncomfortable bed. '失眠' is a specific cause of not sleeping well.
Grammar Patterns
Idioms & Expressions
"辗转反侧 (zhǎnzhuǎn fǎncè)"
Tossing and turning in bed (due to inability to sleep)
他因为失眠而辗转反侧。
neutral"夜不能寐 (yè bù néng mèi)"
Unable to sleep at night; sleepless night
考试前她常常夜不能寐。
formal"难以入睡 (nányǐ rùshuì)"
Difficult to fall asleep
我最近压力很大，常常难以入睡。
neutral"彻夜未眠 (chèyè wèimián)"
Sleepless all night
为了赶报告，他彻夜未眠。
neutral"睡不着觉 (shuì bù zháo jiào)"
Cannot fall asleep (colloquial)
今晚我兴奋得睡不着觉。
informal"失眠症 (shīmiánzhèng)"
Insomnia (medical term)
他患有严重的失眠症。
neutral"睡个好觉 (shuì ge hǎo jiào)"
To get a good night's sleep (opposite of insomnia)
希望你今晚能睡个好觉。
informal"心事重重 (xīnshì chóngchóng)"
Preoccupied with many worries (often leading to insomnia)
他心事重重，所以睡不好。
neutral"精神不振 (jīngshén bùzhèn)"
Lacking in spirit; listless (often due to lack of sleep)
连续几天失眠让他精神不振。
neutral"想得太多 (xiǎng dé tài duō)"
To think too much (a common cause of insomnia)
别想得太多，放松点就能睡着。
informalEasily Confused
Both relate to sleep, but '睡觉' is the general verb 'to sleep,' while '失眠' is a specific condition.
'睡觉' is the act of sleeping. '失眠' is the state of being unable to sleep.
我需要睡觉。 (I need to sleep.) / 我因为失眠所以睡不着。 (I can't sleep because of insomnia.)
Similar meaning of 'can't sleep,' but '失眠' is a noun for the condition, and '睡不着' is a verb phrase describing the action.
'失眠' is the medical condition. '睡不着' literally means 'unable to sleep' and is a common way to express it in daily life.
我最近总是睡不着。 (Recently I always can't sleep.) / 他有失眠症。 (He has insomnia.)
Both involve being awake late, but '熬夜' means to stay up late intentionally, while '失眠' is an involuntary inability to sleep.
'熬夜' is a choice to stay up. '失眠' is a problem preventing sleep.
我昨晚熬夜看电影了。 (I stayed up late last night watching a movie.) / 他不是熬夜，他是失眠了。 (He didn't stay up late, he had insomnia.)
Both relate to sleep duration, but '睡过头' means to oversleep, the opposite of insomnia.
'失眠' is not enough sleep. '睡过头' is too much sleep (or sleeping past an intended time).
我今天睡过头了，迟到了。 (I overslept today and was late.) / 我希望我能睡过头，而不是失眠。 (I wish I could oversleep instead of having insomnia.)
Both are sleep-related, but '做梦' means to dream, which implies you are sleeping, whereas '失眠' means you are not sleeping.
'做梦' happens during sleep. '失眠' is the absence of sleep.
我昨晚做了一个有趣的梦。 (I had an interesting dream last night.) / 我失眠的时候什么梦都做不了。 (When I have insomnia, I can't dream at all.)
Sentence Patterns
他/她有失眠的问题。
他有失眠的问题，所以他看起来很累。 Tā yǒu shīmián de wèntí, suǒyǐ tā kàn qǐlái hěn lèi. He has insomnia, so he looks very tired.
因为失眠，所以我...
因为失眠，所以我昨天晚上没睡好。 Yīnwèi shīmián, suǒyǐ wǒ zuótiān wǎnshàng méi shuì hǎo. Because of insomnia, I didn't sleep well last night.
失眠让我感觉很不好。
失眠让我感觉很不好，白天没精神。 Shīmián ràng wǒ gǎnjué hěn bù hǎo, báitiān méi jīngshén. Insomnia makes me feel very bad, I have no energy during the day.
长期失眠对身体不好。
长期失眠对身体不好，你需要去看医生。 Chángqī shīmián duì shēntǐ bù hǎo, nǐ xūyào qù kàn yīshēng. Long-term insomnia is bad for your health, you need to see a doctor.
他/她最近总是失眠。
她最近总是失眠，可能压力太大了。 Tā zuìjìn zǒng shì shīmián, kěnéng yālì tài dà le. She always has insomnia recently, maybe the pressure is too much.
有什么方法可以改善失眠吗？
有什么方法可以改善失眠吗？我真的想好好睡一觉。 Yǒu shénme fāngfǎ kěyǐ gǎishàn shīmián ma? Wǒ zhēnde xiǎng hǎohǎo shuì yī jiào. Are there any ways to improve insomnia? I really want to have a good sleep.
失眠是现代人常见的问题。
失眠是现代人常见的问题，很多人都面临这个困扰。 Shīmián shì xiàndài rén chángjiàn de wèntí, hěn duō rén dōu miànlín zhège kùnrǎo. Insomnia is a common problem for modern people, many people face this trouble.
治疗失眠的方法有很多种，包括药物治疗和行为疗法。
治疗失眠的方法有很多种，包括药物治疗和行为疗法，但最重要的是找到病因。 Zhìliáo shīmián de fāngfǎ yǒu hěn duō zhǒng, bāokuò yàowù zhìliáo hé xíngwéi liáofǎ, dàn zuì zhòngyào de shì zhǎodào bìngyīn. There are many ways to treat insomnia, including medication and behavioral therapy, but the most important thing is to find the cause.
Word Family
Nouns
How to Use It
失眠 (shīmián) is a common noun used to describe the condition of insomnia or the inability to sleep. It can be used in sentences like:
她最近常常失眠。
She often suffers from insomnia recently.
你有沒有治療失眠的方法？
Do you have any methods to treat insomnia?
You can also use 失眠 as a verb, meaning 'to lose sleep' or 'to suffer from insomnia'. For example:
我昨晚失眠了。
I lost sleep last night.
他因為工作壓力而失眠。
He suffered from insomnia due to work stress.
It's generally more common to use 失眠 as a verb in spoken Chinese when you want to say you 'lost sleep'.
One common mistake is to try and use other words like '沒有睡覺' (méiyǒu shuìjiào - didn't sleep) directly as a noun for insomnia. While '沒有睡覺' describes the act of not sleeping, 失眠 specifically refers to the condition or the state of being unable to sleep. For instance, you wouldn't say '我的沒有睡覺很嚴重' (Wǒ de méiyǒu shuìjiào hěn yánzhòng - My not sleeping is very serious). Instead, you would say '我的失眠很嚴重' (Wǒ de shīmián hěn yánzhòng - My insomnia is very serious).
Another potential mistake is to use 失眠 when you simply mean 'didn't sleep well' rather than 'couldn't sleep at all'. If you just had a restless night, you might say '我昨晚睡得不好' (Wǒ zuówǎn shuì de bù hǎo - I didn't sleep well last night) instead of '我昨晚失眠了' if you did get some sleep, even if it wasn't good quality.
Memorize It
Mnemonic
Imagine yourself 'shi' (losing) your 'mian' (sleep/face). The character 失 (shī) means to lose, and 眠 (mián) means to sleep. So, you 'lose sleep.'
Visual Association
Picture someone tossing and turning in bed, desperate for sleep, with their eyes wide open, feeling 'lost' from sleep.
Word Web
Challenge
Try to describe a time you couldn't sleep using '失眠'. For example: '我昨天晚上失眠了，因为我有很多工作要完成。' (Wǒ zuótiān wǎnshang shīmián le, yīnwèi wǒ yǒu hěnduō gōngzuò yào wánchéng. - I had insomnia last night because I had a lot of work to finish.)
Word Origin
Composed of two characters: 失 (shī) meaning 'to lose' or 'to miss', and 眠 (mián) meaning 'to sleep'.
Original meaning: The combination literally means 'to lose sleep' or 'to miss sleep'.
Sino-Tibetan, Sinitic (Chinese)Cultural Context
When Chinese people talk about 失眠 (shīmián), it's often more than just a passing sleepless night; it can imply a more persistent or significant struggle with sleep. It's a common topic of conversation, especially among those under stress, and there's a strong cultural emphasis on good sleep for health and well-being.
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsThe most common way to say 'I have insomnia' is 我失眠了 (Wǒ shīmián le). The '了 (le)' here indicates a change of state, meaning you've developed insomnia.
Yes, 失眠 (shīmián) can act as a verb. For example, you can say 他昨晚失眠了 (Tā zuó wǎn shīmián le), meaning 'He suffered from insomnia last night.'
You can ask 你失眠吗？(Nǐ shīmián ma?), which translates to 'Do you have insomnia?' or 'Do you have trouble sleeping?'
While 失眠 (shīmián) is generally suitable for all contexts, if you're looking for something slightly more formal or clinical, you might hear 失眠症 (shīmiánzhèng), which means 'insomnia disorder'. However, for everyday conversation, 失眠 is perfectly fine.
In Chinese culture, stress from work or studies (工作压力大 / 学习压力大 - gōngzuò yālì dà / xuéxí yālì dà) and emotional issues (情绪不好 - qíngxù bù hǎo) are often cited as causes. Also, some traditional beliefs might link it to imbalances in the body.
You can say 我一夜没失眠 (Wǒ yī yè méi shīmián). This means 'I didn't sleep a wink all night' or 'I had insomnia all night.'
A common idiom is 夜不能寐 (yè bù néng mèi), which literally means 'unable to sleep at night' and strongly conveys the feeling of insomnia. While it doesn't use 失眠 directly, it's very related.
You could say 我在尝试解决失眠问题 (Wǒ zài chángshì jiějué shīmián wèntí), meaning 'I'm trying to solve my insomnia problem.'
失眠 (shīmián) generally refers to a more chronic or persistent state of inability to sleep, often considered a condition. 睡不着 (shuì bù zháo) simply means 'can't fall asleep' and can be a one-off occurrence without implying a condition. For instance, you might say 我今天睡不着 (Wǒ jīntiān shuì bù zháo) if you're just having trouble sleeping tonight, but 我失眠了 (Wǒ shīmián le) if it's a more ongoing issue.
Yes, you can. For example, 我昨晚失眠了 (Wǒ zuó wǎn shīmián le) means 'I had insomnia last night' or 'I didn't sleep well last night.' It's versatile.
Test Yourself 132 questions
我昨天晚上睡不着，有点___。
The sentence describes not being able to sleep, which is what '失眠' means.
因为工作太多，他常常___。
If someone works too much, they might have trouble sleeping. '失眠' fits the context.
她喝了咖啡，所以晚上___了。
Drinking coffee can cause insomnia. '失眠' is the correct choice here.
如果总是___，身体会不好。
Constant '失眠' (insomnia) is bad for health.
他最近压力很大，导致___。
High stress often leads to insomnia. '失眠' is appropriate.
医生说我需要放松，不然会___。
If one doesn't relax, they might experience '失眠' (insomnia).
What does '失眠' mean in English?
'失眠' (shīmián) directly translates to 'insomnia' or 'inability to sleep'.
Which sentence correctly uses '失眠'?
The sentence '他昨天晚上失眠了' (Tā zuótiān wǎnshang shīmián le) means 'He had insomnia last night', which is a correct use of the word. The other options are grammatically incorrect or nonsensical.
If you cannot sleep at night, you might say you have '___'.
When you cannot sleep, you have '失眠' (shīmián), which means insomnia.
'失眠' means sleeping very well.
'失眠' (shīmián) means the opposite: inability to sleep or insomnia.
If someone says '我失眠了', it means they didn't sleep.
'我失眠了' (Wǒ shīmián le) means 'I had insomnia' or 'I couldn't sleep', so this statement is true.
You can use '失眠' to describe someone who is eating.
'失眠' is related to sleeping, not eating.
I couldn't sleep last night.
Do you often have insomnia?
Coffee will make you unable to sleep.
Read this aloud:
我失眠了。
Focus: shī mián
You said:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Read this aloud:
他有失眠症。
Focus: shī mián zhèng
You said:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Read this aloud:
请问，您有失眠的问题吗？
Focus: qǐng wèn, nín yǒu shī mián de wèn tí ma?
You said:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Write a short sentence about someone who can't sleep.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
他晚上失眠，所以他很累。 (He had insomnia at night, so he was very tired.)
Imagine your friend is having trouble sleeping. Write a short message asking if they have insomnia.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
你最近失眠了吗？ (Have you had insomnia recently?)
Write a sentence saying that coffee can cause insomnia.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
喝咖啡会导致失眠。 (Drinking coffee can cause insomnia.)
小王怎么了？
Read this passage:
小王晚上睡不着觉。他觉得很累，但是眼睛一直睁着。他可能失眠了。
小王怎么了？
文章说小王晚上睡不着觉，这表示他失眠了。
文章说小王晚上睡不着觉，这表示他失眠了。
说话人今天早上为什么很困？
Read this passage:
我昨晚失眠了，只睡了两个小时。今天早上我很困。
说话人今天早上为什么很困？
文章清楚地提到“我昨晚失眠了”，所以今天早上会很困。
文章清楚地提到“我昨晚失眠了”，所以今天早上会很困。
文章建议失眠的人做什么？
Read this passage:
如果你有失眠，可以尝试喝一杯热牛奶。这可能会帮助你入睡。
文章建议失眠的人做什么？
文章直接建议“喝一杯热牛奶”来帮助入睡。
文章直接建议“喝一杯热牛奶”来帮助入睡。
The correct order is 'subject + verb + object'. So, 'He has insomnia'.
The correct order is 'subject + adverb + verb'. So, 'I often have insomnia'.
The correct order is 'subject + because + insomnia + not + happy'. So, 'She is not happy because of insomnia'.
她因为工作压力太大，常常______。
The sentence talks about someone often experiencing something due to work pressure. '失眠' (insomnia) fits the context of difficulty sleeping caused by stress. '吃饭' means eating, '睡觉' means sleeping, and '休息' means resting.
如果你晚上睡不着，可能是______了。
The phrase '睡不着' (cannot sleep) directly relates to '失眠' (insomnia). '饿了' means hungry, '渴了' means thirsty, and '累了' means tired, which don't directly mean 'cannot sleep'.
他有严重的______，医生建议他放松心情。
The sentence states that a doctor advised relaxation due to a serious condition. '失眠' (insomnia) is a condition that often requires relaxation. '感冒' is a cold, '头痛' is a headache, and '咳嗽' is a cough.
一个人如果常常晚上睡不着，他可能失眠了。
If someone often cannot sleep at night, it means they are experiencing insomnia, which is what '失眠' means.
多运动可以帮助你失眠。
More exercise usually helps improve sleep, not cause or help with insomnia. '帮助你失眠' would mean 'help you have insomnia'.
失眠是一种让人感到很累的疾病。
Insomnia (失眠) is indeed a condition that makes people feel very tired due to lack of sleep.
What happened last night?
What does the person look like?
What can cause insomnia?
Read this aloud:
我最近经常失眠。
Focus: shī mián
You said:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Read this aloud:
失眠让我很困。
Focus: shī mián ràng wǒ hěn kùn
You said:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Read this aloud:
晚上不要喝太多茶，不然会失眠。
Focus: bù rán huì shī mián
You said:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
You had a terrible night because of insomnia. Write a short message to your friend explaining why you are tired today. Use "失眠" (shīmián).
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
昨天晚上我失眠了，所以今天我很累。
Your friend asks why you look so tired. Reply to your friend saying you couldn't sleep because of insomnia. Use "失眠" (shīmián).
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
我有点失眠，所以没睡好。
You are giving advice to a friend who is experiencing insomnia. Suggest going to the doctor. Use "失眠" (shīmián).
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
如果你失眠，你应该去看医生。
小王为什么昨天晚上失眠了？
Read this passage:
小王昨天晚上失眠了。他睡不着，因为他有很多工作。今天他很累，想喝咖啡。
小王为什么昨天晚上失眠了？
文章中说“他睡不着，因为他有很多工作。”
文章中说“他睡不着，因为他有很多工作。”
张老师有什么问题？
Read this passage:
张老师最近经常失眠，所以她看起来不太好。她的学生建议她多休息。
张老师有什么问题？
文章中明确提到“张老师最近经常失眠”。
文章中明确提到“张老师最近经常失眠”。
大卫的妈妈失眠后怎么样？
Read this passage:
大卫的妈妈失眠了，所以她早上起得很晚。她觉得很不舒服。
大卫的妈妈失眠后怎么样？
文章中说“她早上起得很晚。”
文章中说“她早上起得很晚。”
This sentence means 'He suffered from insomnia because of work.' The correct order is Subject (他) + Cause (因为工作) + Verb/Result (失眠了).
This sentence means 'I had insomnia again last night.' The correct order is Subject (我) + Time (昨晚) + Adverb (又) + Verb (失眠了).
This sentence means 'She often has insomnia because of stress.' The correct order is Subject (她) + Frequency (常常) + Cause (因为压力) + Verb (失眠).
他因为工作压力太大，最近常常___。
The sentence describes someone who often experiences difficulty sleeping due to work stress, so '失眠' (insomnia) is the correct fit.
医生建议她多运动，缓解___的问题。
The context suggests a problem that exercise can alleviate, and '失眠' (insomnia) is a common issue that exercise helps with.
晚上喝太多咖啡可能会导致___。
Drinking too much coffee at night is a well-known cause of '失眠' (insomnia).
她整夜___，第二天精神很差。
The phrase '整夜失眠' means 'insomnia all night', which directly leads to poor spirits the next day.
最近我经常___，所以白天总是很困。
If someone is often sleepy during the day, it's a strong indication they are experiencing '失眠' (insomnia) at night.
考试前，很多学生都会有短暂的___。
Before exams, it's common for students to experience temporary '失眠' (insomnia) due to stress and anxiety.
He often suffers from insomnia due to work stress.
The doctor advised her to drink a cup of hot milk before bed to improve her insomnia.
Insomnia makes me lethargic during the day and affects my work efficiency.
Read this aloud:
你有没有失眠的困扰？
Focus: 失眠 (shīmián)
You said:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Read this aloud:
我最近总是失眠，感觉很疲惫。
Focus: 感觉 (gǎnjué)
You said:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Read this aloud:
有什么好办法可以帮助我解决失眠问题吗？
Focus: 解决 (jiějué)
You said:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
This sentence means 'He looks very tired because of insomnia.' The causal relationship 'because... therefore...' (因为...所以...) is key.
This sentence means 'The doctor advised her to improve her insomnia problem.' The structure '建议 (someone) (to do something)' is common.
This sentence means 'Long-term insomnia will affect physical health.' The adjective '长期' (long-term) modifies '失眠' (insomnia).
她因为工作压力太大，最近常常__。
The sentence describes someone experiencing difficulty sleeping due to work stress, which aligns with the meaning of '失眠' (insomnia). '睡着' means to fall asleep, '做梦' means to dream, and '打鼾' means to snore.
医生建议他如果长期__，应该寻求专业帮助。
The context implies a persistent sleeping problem that warrants professional advice, making '失眠' (insomnia) the correct fit. '熬夜' means to stay up late, '早起' means to wake up early, and '午睡' means to take a nap.
考试前夜，我紧张得__，几乎一夜没合眼。
The sentence indicates an inability to sleep due to nervousness before an exam, which is '失眠' (insomnia). '睡饱' means to get enough sleep, '安睡' means to sleep peacefully, and '熟睡' means to sleep soundly.
咖啡因会刺激神经，容易导致__。
The sentence states that caffeine stimulates nerves and can lead to a state where one cannot sleep, which is '失眠' (insomnia). '兴奋' means excited, '清醒' means awake/sober, and '疲劳' means tired.
为了缓解__，她尝试了睡前喝热牛奶。
The action of drinking hot milk before bed is a common remedy for sleeping difficulties, thus '失眠' (insomnia) is the correct choice. '压力' means stress, '焦虑' means anxiety, and '头痛' means headache.
换了新环境后，他有一段时间严重__。
Changing to a new environment can often disrupt sleep patterns, leading to '失眠' (insomnia). '适应' means to adapt, '不适' means discomfort, and '兴奋' means excited.
她因为长期加班，导致严重失眠。
“失眠”指睡不着觉，所以“导致严重失眠”意味着她经常睡不着。
最近他总是精神不济，怀疑自己有失眠症。
“失眠症”是一种睡眠障碍，表现为难以入睡或维持睡眠，所以“精神不济”是其后果。
医生建议她尝试放松训练来缓解失眠。
“缓解失眠”是减轻睡不着觉的问题，“放松训练”是帮助入睡的一种方法。
如果你有失眠问题，说明你每天睡眠充足。
失眠意味着难以入睡或睡眠质量差，所以睡眠不足。
咖啡因摄入过多可能会导致失眠。
咖啡因是兴奋剂，过量摄入会干扰睡眠，导致失眠。
睡前看电视有助于治疗失眠。
睡前看电视或使用电子设备会抑制褪黑素分泌，反而不利于入睡，加重失眠。
Ask if someone has trouble sleeping.
Listen for the effects of long-term insomnia.
Identify the cause of her insomnia.
Read this aloud:
我昨晚失眠了，感觉很累。
Focus: 失眠 (shī mián)
You said:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Read this aloud:
你有什么办法可以缓解失眠吗？
Focus: 缓解 (huǎn jiě)
You said:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Read this aloud:
很多现代人都面临失眠问题。
Focus: 面临 (miàn lín)
You said:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Describe a time you experienced difficulty sleeping. How did it affect you the next day? Use '失眠' in your answer.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
我上次因为考试压力大而失眠，那天晚上翻来覆去睡不着。第二天早上我很疲惫，精神很差，工作效率也降低了。
Imagine a friend is complaining about insomnia. Write a short message advising them on what they could do to improve their sleep. Include '失眠' in your message.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
听说你最近失眠很严重，我很担心。你可以尝试睡前喝杯热牛奶，或者听一些轻柔的音乐放松一下。希望你能早日摆脱失眠。
Discuss some common causes of insomnia in modern life. What role do factors like stress or screen time play? Use '失眠' in your discussion.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
现代人失眠的原因很多，其中工作压力和过度使用电子产品是常见因素。长时间盯着屏幕会让大脑兴奋，影响睡眠质量，导致失眠。
根据短文，小李失眠的原因是什么？
Read this passage:
小李最近因为工作压力大，晚上经常失眠。他试了很多方法，比如睡前泡脚、听轻音乐，但效果都不太好。医生建议他调整作息时间，并多进行户外运动。
根据短文，小李失眠的原因是什么？
短文明确指出小李是因为工作压力大而失眠。
短文明确指出小李是因为工作压力大而失眠。
根据短文，长期失眠可能导致哪些健康问题？
Read this passage:
研究表明，长期失眠会对身体健康造成严重影响，包括免疫力下降、记忆力衰退以及情绪不稳定。因此，保持良好的睡眠习惯对每个人都非常重要。
根据短文，长期失眠可能导致哪些健康问题？
短文提到了长期失眠会导致免疫力下降、记忆力衰退以及情绪不稳定。
短文提到了长期失眠会导致免疫力下降、记忆力衰退以及情绪不稳定。
关于安眠药，短文表达了什么观点？
Read this passage:
很多患有失眠症的人会选择服用安眠药，但医生提醒，安眠药只能短期缓解症状，长期服用可能会产生依赖性，并且有副作用。建议患者在医生指导下进行治疗。
关于安眠药，短文表达了什么观点？
短文指出安眠药只能短期缓解症状，长期服用可能会产生依赖性，并且有副作用。
短文指出安眠药只能短期缓解症状，长期服用可能会产生依赖性，并且有副作用。
Listen for why he often has insomnia.
Listen for the doctor's suggestion to help with insomnia.
Listen for the effect of long-term insomnia.
Read this aloud:
你有没有失眠的经历？通常怎么解决？
Focus: 失眠 (shīmián)
You said:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Read this aloud:
如果你朋友因为失眠很痛苦，你会给他什么建议？
Focus: 痛苦 (tòngkǔ), 建议 (jiànyì)
You said:
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Read this aloud:
科技发展对现代人的睡眠习惯有何影响？是否加重了失眠问题？
Focus: 科技 (kējì), 睡眠 (shuìmián), 加重 (jiāzhòng)
You said:
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You've been experiencing insomnia. Write a short journal entry (3-4 sentences) describing your feelings and how it affects your daily life.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
最近我经常失眠，这让我感到非常疲倦。白天的时候，我很难集中注意力，工作效率也受到了很大的影响。我真的需要找到解决办法来改善我的睡眠。
Imagine a friend is complaining about their insomnia. Write a short message (3-4 sentences) giving them some advice on how to deal with it.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
听到你失眠，我为你感到担忧。也许你可以尝试睡前听一些放松的音乐，或者泡个热水澡。避免在晚上喝咖啡也是个好主意，希望这些建议能帮到你。
Describe a time you had trouble sleeping. What caused your insomnia, and what did you do about it? (3-4 sentences)
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
有一次我因为考试压力太大而失眠。我整晚都翻来覆去睡不着。后来我尝试了冥想和睡前阅读，这确实帮助我放松下来，慢慢地我的睡眠质量就改善了。
根据文章，以下哪项不是改善失眠的方法？
Read this passage:
现代社会，工作压力和生活节奏加快，越来越多的人开始出现失眠的问题。长期失眠不仅影响精神状态，还会对身体健康造成危害。专家建议，养成规律的作息习惯，保持心情放松，有助于改善睡眠。
根据文章，以下哪项不是改善失眠的方法？
文章中提到加快工作节奏是导致失眠的原因之一，而不是改善失眠的方法。
文章中提到加快工作节奏是导致失眠的原因之一，而不是改善失眠的方法。
小李的医生建议他尝试什么疗法来解决失眠问题？
Read this passage:
小李最近总是失眠，他尝试了各种方法，比如睡前喝牛奶、听轻音乐，但效果都不太好。他的医生建议他进行认知行为疗法，这是一种针对失眠的有效治疗方法。
小李的医生建议他尝试什么疗法来解决失眠问题？
文章中明确提到医生建议小李进行认知行为疗法。
文章中明确提到医生建议小李进行认知行为疗法。
根据文章，为什么睡前看手机会导致失眠？
Read this passage:
许多人认为，睡前看手机是导致失眠的主要原因之一。手机屏幕发出的蓝光会抑制褪黑素的分泌，从而影响睡眠质量。为了改善失眠，最好在睡前一小时停止使用电子设备。
根据文章，为什么睡前看手机会导致失眠？
文章中提到手机屏幕发出的蓝光会抑制褪黑素的分泌，从而影响睡眠质量。
文章中提到手机屏幕发出的蓝光会抑制褪黑素的分泌，从而影响睡眠质量。
他因为工作压力太大，最近常常___。
The sentence describes someone experiencing difficulty sleeping due to work stress, which aligns with the meaning of '失眠' (insomnia).
医生建议她调整作息，缓解___。
The context of 'adjusting routines' and 'alleviating' suggests addressing a sleep-related issue, making '失眠' (insomnia) the most suitable choice.
她喝了太多咖啡，导致整晚___。
Consuming too much coffee often leads to sleeplessness, so '失眠' (insomnia) fits the context perfectly.
长期的___会严重影响健康。
The sentence indicates a chronic condition that negatively impacts health, and '失眠' (insomnia) is a chronic condition with such effects.
由于时差，他第一晚有点___。
Jet lag commonly causes difficulty sleeping, making '失眠' (insomnia) the most appropriate word to describe his experience.
睡前玩手机会加重___症状。
Using mobile phones before bed is known to worsen insomnia, so '失眠' is the correct answer.
她因为长期加班，导致严重___。
这句话描述了长期加班导致的结果，'失眠'（insomnia）最符合语境，指无法入睡。
医生建议他睡前喝杯热牛奶以缓解___。
热牛奶通常被推荐用于帮助入睡，因此是缓解'失眠'（insomnia）的有效方法。
她患有严重的___，每晚都难以入睡。
句子中“每晚都难以入睡”直接指出了'失眠'（insomnia）的症状。
失眠意味着你睡得很好，醒来精神百倍。
失眠是指无法入睡或保持睡眠，导致睡眠不足和疲劳。
偶尔一两次睡不着觉就叫失眠。
失眠通常指长期的、持续的睡眠障碍，而非偶尔一次两次的入睡困难。
保持规律的作息时间有助于改善失眠。
规律的作息时间有助于调节生物钟，从而改善失眠症状。
Listen to the sentence about the effect of long-term insomnia.
Listen to the doctor's advice regarding insomnia.
Listen to why someone couldn't sleep the night before an exam.
Read this aloud:
失眠的滋味真不好受，有什么好办法能改善吗？
Focus: 失眠 (shīmián)
You said:
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Read this aloud:
为了避免失眠，我晚上尽量不喝咖啡和茶。
Focus: 避免 (bìmiǎn)
You said:
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Read this aloud:
你有没有过失眠的经历？当时是怎么解决的？
Focus: 经历 (jīnglì)
You said:
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You've been experiencing severe 失眠 lately. Write a short journal entry (around 80-100 characters) describing your feelings and how it's affecting your daily life. Use at least one idiom related to tiredness or lack of sleep.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
最近我饱受失眠之苦，夜夜辗转反侧。白天总是哈欠连天，感觉身心俱疲，工作效率也大打折扣。真希望能够一觉到天亮。
Imagine you are giving advice to a friend who is suffering from 失眠. Write a short paragraph (around 80-100 characters) suggesting some practical ways they can improve their sleep. Include at least two different suggestions.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
如果你失眠，可以尝试睡前喝杯温牛奶，或者洗个热水澡放松一下。避免睡前玩手机，保持卧室黑暗安静，这些都有助于改善睡眠质量。
Describe a time when you or someone you know experienced severe 失眠. What were the causes and consequences? (Around 80-100 characters)
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
我有个朋友，因为工作压力太大，经常失眠。他白天精神恍惚，脾气也变得很暴躁，严重影响了生活和工作。后来他去看医生才有所好转。
根据文章，以下哪项不是导致失眠的常见原因？
Read this passage:
现代社会，失眠问题日益普遍。长时间的压力、不规律的作息习惯以及过度使用电子产品，都是导致失眠的常见原因。失眠不仅会影响个体的身体健康，还会降低工作效率和生活质量，甚至引发心理问题。因此，建立健康的睡眠习惯至关重要。
根据文章，以下哪项不是导致失眠的常见原因？
文章中提到了长时间的压力、不规律的作息习惯以及过度使用电子产品是导致失眠的常见原因，但没有提及户外运动过少。
文章中提到了长时间的压力、不规律的作息习惯以及过度使用电子产品是导致失眠的常见原因，但没有提及户外运动过少。
根据这段文字，李明失眠的主要表现是什么？
Read this passage:
李明最近总是失眠，夜里辗转反侧，难以入睡。他尝试了数羊、听轻音乐等方法，但效果都不太理想。白天他感到头昏脑涨，注意力难以集中，工作上频频出错。医生建议他调整作息，睡前避免咖啡因，并进行适度运动。
根据这段文字，李明失眠的主要表现是什么？
文章中明确指出李明“夜里辗转反侧，难以入睡”以及“白天他感到头昏脑涨，注意力难以集中”。
文章中明确指出李明“夜里辗转反侧，难以入睡”以及“白天他感到头昏脑涨，注意力难以集中”。
根据文章，除了药物治疗，还有哪些方法可以有效干预失眠？
Read this passage:
研究表明，良好的睡眠质量对人体健康至关重要。长期失眠不仅会削弱免疫系统，增加患慢性病的风险，还会影响记忆力和学习能力。对于失眠患者来说，除了药物治疗，心理咨询和行为疗法也是有效的干预手段。培养积极的心态，放松身心，有助于改善睡眠。
根据文章，除了药物治疗，还有哪些方法可以有效干预失眠？
文章中明确提到“除了药物治疗，心理咨询和行为疗法也是有效的干预手段”。
文章中明确提到“除了药物治疗，心理咨询和行为疗法也是有效的干预手段”。
/ 132 correct
Perfect score!
Summary
失眠 is a common word to describe the experience of not being able to sleep.
- 失眠 (shīmián) means insomnia or inability to sleep.
- It's a common A2-level noun.
- Often used to describe a state of not getting enough sleep.
Related Content
This Word in Other Languages
Related Grammar Rules
Related Phrases
More health words
一粒
A2One pill; a grain (for small, round objects like pills).
一片
A2One tablet; a slice (for flat objects like pills).
不正常
A2abnormal
以上
A2Above, over (a number)
酸痛
A2Sore; aching (especially muscles).
倒是
A2On the contrary; actually.
针灸
A2Acupuncture; traditional Chinese therapy.
扎针
A2to give an injection
急性
B1acute (illness)
急性病
B1Acute disease.
