25 Most Popular Songs About Insomnia Ever Written

Posted on July 9, 2025 Posted by Digital Audio Review Team Categories Playlists

Insomnia isn’t just a sleep disorder—it’s an emotional landscape, and music has always helped people navigate its lonely terrain.

Whether you’re tossing and turning at 3 a.m. or simply wired with thoughts that won’t quiet down, these songs about insomnia tap into the universal experience of not being able to sleep. From heartbreak and anxiety to obsession, inspiration, and late-night clarity, the reasons behind sleeplessness are as varied as the music that reflects it. This curated playlist spans multiple genres—rock, pop, hip-hop, folk, country, R&B—and captures the mood of those long, restless hours when silence gets loud.

These aren’t just songs about not sleeping—they’re sonic companions for your midnight mind. Whether you’re looking for something soft and soothing or something that mirrors your mental chaos, this list of 25 insomnia songs offers comfort, catharsis, and connection for anyone who knows the soundtrack of sleepless nights.

Here’s a curated list of 25 songs about insomnia, sleepless nights, and the restless thoughts that come with them. These tracks span across genres—rock, pop, R&B, indie, and hip-hop—each capturing the haunting beauty and mental unrest of being wide awake when the world sleeps:

#1 “Insomnia” by Faithless (1995) – Iconic Electronic Anthem About Sleepless Nights

• Album: Reverence
• Release Date: November 27, 1995
• Artist: Faithless
• Genre: Electronic / Trip-Hop
• Key Lyric: “I can’t get no sleep.”

“Insomnia” by Faithless is arguably the most iconic song ever written about the torment of sleeplessness. The British electronic group built the track around a hypnotic synth loop, slow-building tension, and Maxi Jazz’s spoken-word verses that detail the maddening frustration of lying awake while the world sleeps. The song’s stark repetition and nocturnal energy mirror the mental loops insomniacs face.

It became a global club anthem, ironically often played in late-night party settings. The beat, mood, and lyrical despair have made “Insomnia” a definitive soundtrack for restless minds and one of the most enduring insomnia songs of the 1990s.

#2 “Up All Night” by Beck (2017) – Indie-Pop Insomnia Song with a Danceable Twist

• Album: Colors
• Release Date: October 13, 2017
• Artist: Beck
• Genre: Indie Pop / Synthpop
• Key Lyric: “Just wanna stay up all night with you.”

Beck’s “Up All Night” puts a lively, romantic spin on sleeplessness, capturing the rush of staying awake not out of anxiety, but because of electric connection. Driven by bright synths and a glossy pop production, the song contrasts most insomnia tracks by turning nighttime restlessness into celebration.

Released as a single from Colors, it showcases Beck’s versatility and ability to explore complex emotions—even the usually frustrating act of not sleeping—through fun, danceable grooves. “Up All Night” works as both a love song and a subtle nod to the rhythms of insomnia, blending euphoria with exhaustion.

#3 “I Can’t Sleep” by Clay Walker (2003) – Country Ballad About Insomnia and Heartache

• Album: A Few Questions
• Release Date: August 5, 2003
• Artist: Clay Walker
• Genre: Country
• Key Lyric: “I can’t sleep, just thinking ‘bout you.”

Clay Walker’s “I Can’t Sleep” is a classic country take on insomnia, driven by the emotional turmoil of lost love. The lyrics chronicle a man haunted by regret and memory, unable to find rest without the woman he lost. The production is tender and straightforward—fiddle, acoustic guitar, and Walker’s emotionally expressive voice—perfectly suited for late-night listening.

The song reached the Top 10 on Billboard’s Hot Country chart and struck a chord with listeners who’ve experienced romantic grief-induced insomnia. With its honest vulnerability and traditional country flair, this track is a heartache-filled anthem for the sleepless and lovesick.

#4 “Sleep to Dream” by Fiona Apple (1996) – Dark Alternative Track About Restless Defiance

• Album: Tidal
• Release Date: July 23, 1996
• Artist: Fiona Apple
• Genre: Alternative / Art Pop
• Key Lyric: “I got my own hell to raise.”

“Sleep to Dream” by Fiona Apple isn’t just a song about insomnia—it’s a declaration of emotional independence wrapped in late-night fury. With its jazzy piano riffs and bold lyrics, Apple crafts a powerful image of a woman too furious to rest. The track feels like 3 a.m. anger turned into art, capturing the insomnia that arises from emotional betrayal and self-preservation.

From her Grammy-winning debut Tidal, this song became an anthem of empowerment, especially for women dealing with internalized rage. Its edgy tone and thematic insomnia make it a standout track for those whose restless nights are fueled by unresolved emotions.

#5 “In the Wee Small Hours of the Morning” by Frank Sinatra (1955) – Classic Crooner Ballad for Lonely Insomniacs

• Album: In the Wee Small Hours
• Release Date: April 25, 1955
• Artist: Frank Sinatra
• Genre: Traditional Pop / Vocal Jazz
• Key Lyric: “When your lonely heart has learned its lesson.”

Frank Sinatra’s “In the Wee Small Hours of the Morning” is one of the earliest and most poetic musical portraits of insomnia caused by lost love. The track opens his landmark concept album of the same name, setting the tone with soft strings, gentle piano, and Sinatra’s aching baritone.

It’s a masterclass in restraint and emotional vulnerability, capturing the timeless sorrow of lying awake with no one to turn to. Released in 1955, it helped pioneer the idea of the moody, late-night album and remains a touchstone for insomnia songs across generations. This is the insomnia soundtrack for romantics with broken hearts.

#6 “No Sleep” by Wiz Khalifa (2011) – Party Rap Song About Staying Awake All Night

• Album: Rolling Papers
• Release Date: March 29, 2011
• Artist: Wiz Khalifa
• Genre: Hip-Hop / Rap
• Key Lyric: “No sleep ’til I see the sun.”

Wiz Khalifa’s “No Sleep” flips the idea of insomnia into a celebration of nightlife and excess. Instead of portraying restlessness as a burden, he glorifies it as part of the nonstop grind and carefree lifestyle associated with fame and youth.

Released as a single from Rolling Papers, the track quickly became a party anthem thanks to its catchy hook and laid-back, stoner-rap vibe. Though the song doesn’t focus on the anxiety of sleeplessness, it captures the reality of intentionally staying awake until dawn. It’s an upbeat entry in the insomnia playlist, turning exhaustion into a badge of honor.

#7 “Up All Night” by Drake feat. Nicki Minaj (2010) – Late-Night Hip-Hop Track About Power and Ambition

• Album: Thank Me Later
• Release Date: June 15, 2010
• Artist: Drake feat. Nicki Minaj
• Genre: Hip-Hop / Rap
• Key Lyric: “We up all night, whole crew’s in here.”

“Up All Night” is Drake and Nicki Minaj at their most confident, trading verses about dominance, loyalty, and success in a world that never sleeps. The phrase “up all night” becomes symbolic of late-night hustle, ambition, and the paranoia that comes with pressure and power.

Backed by dark, minimalist production, the song captures the insomnia-inducing mental grind of being on top and staying there. While not a literal account of tossing and turning, it fits perfectly into a playlist about insomnia by reflecting on the psychological cost of ambition and fame. It’s moody, intense, and built for after-hours introspection.

#8 “Sleeping Sickness” by City and Colour (2008) – Acoustic Rock Song About Chronic Restlessness

• Album: Bring Me Your Love
• Release Date: February 12, 2008
• Artist: City and Colour
• Genre: Acoustic Rock / Indie Folk
• Key Lyric: “I awoke only to find my lungs empty.”

“Sleeping Sickness” by City and Colour (aka Dallas Green) is a somber and introspective song that captures the emotional toll of chronic sleeplessness. The haunting melody, stripped-down acoustic guitar, and plaintive vocals create a deeply personal portrait of a mind unable to rest.

The lyrics suggest a battle with depression and existential anxiety—common causes of insomnia. Though the song moves at a gentle pace, the subject matter is heavy, resonating with anyone who lies awake feeling like a ghost of themselves. With its poetic lyricism and raw vulnerability, this track remains a favorite for late-night listeners looking for quiet empathy.

#9 “I Don’t Sleep, I Dream” by R.E.M. (1994) – Moody Rock Song About Restless Desire and Nighttime Obsession

• Album: Monster
• Release Date: September 27, 1994
• Artist: R.E.M.
• Genre: Alternative Rock
• Key Lyric: “I don’t sleep, I dream.”

R.E.M.’s “I Don’t Sleep, I Dream” offers a sultry, unsettling twist on sleeplessness—where the lack of rest is caused by desire, fixation, and deep subconscious urges. The title alone sets the tone: sleep isn’t an escape, but a portal into something more intimate and obsessive.

The song drips with nighttime atmosphere, thanks to murky guitar riffs and Michael Stipe’s cryptic delivery. Though it never explicitly mentions insomnia, the entire track feels like a fever dream unraveling in the early hours. It’s a mysterious and darkly seductive take on what it means to lie awake in the still of night.

#10 “Nightmare” by Halsey (2019) – Feminist Rock Anthem About Anger, Anxiety, and Insomnia

• Album: Non-album single (later included on If I Can’t Have Love, I Want Power deluxe)
• Release Date: May 17, 2019
• Artist: Halsey
• Genre: Alternative Rock / Pop Punk
• Key Lyric: “I’ve tasted blood and it is sweet / I’ve had the rug pulled beneath my feet.”

“Nightmare” by Halsey channels the physical and psychological manifestations of insomnia—rage, trauma, and mental overload—into a blistering feminist anthem. The song explodes with punk-rock intensity, a stylistic shift from her previous synth-pop sound, and is driven by furious vocals and grinding guitar.

Halsey sings about not being able to rest because of societal pressures and personal demons, making the song feel like a scream from a sleepless brain. Its sharp edges and cathartic energy speak to those who aren’t just lying awake—but actively fighting back. “Nightmare” is insomnia personified in sonic rebellion.

#11 “Insomniac” by Enrique Iglesias (2007) – Pop Song About Restless Obsession and Nightlong Despair

• Album: Insomniac
• Release Date: June 12, 2007
• Artist: Enrique Iglesias
• Genre: Pop / Dance-Pop
• Key Lyric: “I lie awake and I can’t take the heat.”

Enrique Iglesias titled his entire 2007 album Insomniac after this sleepless mindset, and the song “Insomniac” dives right into the torment of mental obsession. With pulsing electronic beats and dramatic vocals, the track mirrors the tension and stimulation that often keeps the mind from resting. Iglesias sings of being haunted by love and desire to the point where sleep becomes impossible.

The mix of pop and club-ready production creates a paradox—inviting you to dance even as the lyrics describe emotional turmoil. “Insomniac” stands as one of the most literal and stylish pop interpretations of what it feels like to be wide awake all night.

#12 “3AM” by Matchbox Twenty (1996) – ’90s Rock Song About Late-Night Loneliness

• Album: Yourself or Someone Like You
• Release Date: October 1, 1996
• Artist: Matchbox Twenty
• Genre: Alternative Rock
• Key Lyric: “It’s 3AM, I must be lonely.”

“3AM” by Matchbox Twenty doesn’t mention insomnia directly, but its central image—a person awake at three in the morning—perfectly captures the emotional core of sleeplessness. Rob Thomas’s lyrics explore themes of caregiving, depression, and detachment, inspired by his experience supporting his mother through illness.

The song’s haunting refrain and acoustic-driven melody give voice to the quiet emotional battles that often surface in the middle of the night. A quintessential late-night rock anthem, “3AM” blends vulnerability and introspection, making it a powerful and relatable insomnia song for those who find their thoughts loudest after midnight.

#13 “All Night” by Beyoncé (2016) – Soulful R&B Ballad About Sleepless Love and Reconciliation

• Album: Lemonade
• Release Date: April 23, 2016
• Artist: Beyoncé
• Genre: R&B / Soul
• Key Lyric: “I found the truth beneath your lies / And true love never has to hide.”

In “All Night,” Beyoncé captures the emotional state of lying awake with love on your mind—not because of heartbreak, but because of reconciliation, vulnerability, and devotion. As one of the most uplifting moments on her intensely personal album Lemonade, the song blends horns, layered harmonies, and a soulful groove to evoke a feeling of emotional clarity in the dark hours.

Beyoncé reflects on the pain of betrayal, but also the strength of forgiveness. The track speaks to a kind of insomnia filled not with anxiety, but with hope. It’s a tender, slow-burning anthem for anyone lying awake feeling both broken and healed.

#14 “Creep” by Radiohead (1992) – Grunge-Era Classic Capturing Insomnia-Fueled Insecurity

• Album: Pablo Honey
• Release Date: September 21, 1992
• Artist: Radiohead
• Genre: Alternative Rock / Grunge
• Key Lyric: “I don’t belong here.”

While “Creep” by Radiohead isn’t explicitly about insomnia, its emotional weight and inner turmoil resonate deeply with sleepless minds. Thom Yorke’s aching delivery and the song’s explosive guitar crash evoke the anxiety and self-loathing that often surface in long, lonely nights.

It has become an unofficial anthem for those struggling with identity, worth, and detachment—common causes of psychological insomnia. The chorus’s stark confession, “I’m a creep, I’m a weirdo,” speaks to a universal feeling of isolation that intensifies in the silence of night. This grunge-era hit remains one of the most emotionally raw songs for fans battling inner demons at 2AM.

#15 “Midnight” by Coldplay (2014) – Atmospheric Song About Night, Stillness, and Isolation

• Album: Ghost Stories
• Release Date: February 25, 2014
• Artist: Coldplay
• Genre: Ambient / Electronic / Alternative
• Key Lyric: “Leave a light, a light on.”

“Midnight” by Coldplay is a haunting, ambient meditation on solitude and the stillness of night. Departing from their typical arena rock sound, the band uses vocoder-heavy vocals and sparse electronic textures to create a deeply atmospheric experience.

The lyrics are minimal but evoke feelings of loneliness, liminality, and waiting—emotions familiar to anyone who lies awake as the hours slip by. The song’s soft intensity makes it less of a performance and more of a nocturnal trance. “Midnight” is an insomnia song in spirit, crafted for moments when sleep feels far away and introspection takes over in the darkest hours.

#16 “Who Needs Sleep?” by Barenaked Ladies (1998) – Witty Rock Song About Chronic Sleep Deprivation

• Album: Stunt
• Release Date: July 7, 1998
• Artist: Barenaked Ladies
• Genre: Alternative Rock / Pop Rock
• Key Lyric: “Who needs sleep? Well, you’re never gonna get it.”

Barenaked Ladies bring their signature humor and musical sharpness to the topic of insomnia in “Who Needs Sleep?”—a tongue-in-cheek anthem for the chronically sleep-deprived. The lyrics blend sarcasm and exasperation, expressing the frustration of lying awake night after night.

The upbeat tempo and melodic energy contrast sharply with the theme, reflecting the bizarre mix of fatigue and hyper-awareness familiar to many insomniacs. With its catchy hook and observational lyrics, the song paints a lighthearted but honest picture of modern exhaustion. It’s the perfect insomnia song for those looking to laugh through their sleepless misery.

#17 “Sleep” by My Chemical Romance (2006) – Dark Rock Song About Nightmares and Insomnia

• Album: The Black Parade
• Release Date: October 23, 2006
• Artist: My Chemical Romance
• Genre: Alternative Rock / Emo
• Key Lyric: “They’re gonna clean up your looks / With all the lies in the books.”

“Sleep” by My Chemical Romance is a theatrical, emotionally charged track that dives deep into the psychological terror of insomnia and recurring nightmares. Inspired by frontman Gerard Way’s own struggles with sleep paralysis and haunting dreams while on tour, the song starts with a chilling voice memo about sleep disorders and spirals into a sonic explosion of fear and rage.

The lyrics blur the line between reality and dream, exploring the torment of being trapped in one’s own mind. It’s a standout on The Black Parade and one of the most intense rock anthems ever written about sleepless suffering.

#18 “The Night We Met” by Lord Huron (2015) – Haunting Indie Song for Sleepless Grief

• Album: Strange Trails
• Release Date: April 6, 2015
• Artist: Lord Huron
• Genre: Indie Folk / Alternative
• Key Lyric: “I had all and then most of you / Some and now none of you.”

“The Night We Met” by Lord Huron is an ethereal, grief-soaked ballad that evokes the haunting feeling of lying awake filled with regret. The song’s dreamlike atmosphere and ghostly vocal layering create the sonic equivalent of a sleepless memory loop—reliving the exact moment when everything changed.

Used powerfully in Netflix’s 13 Reasons Why, the track became synonymous with emotional vulnerability, loss, and longing. Its haunting melody and timeless sorrow make it a go-to insomnia song for hearts that ache hardest in the silence of the night. It’s not about insomnia directly, but its presence lingers long after the final chord.

#19 “Talking to the Moon” by Bruno Mars (2010) – R&B-Pop Ballad About Lonely Late Nights

• Album: Doo-Wops & Hooligans
• Release Date: October 4, 2010
• Artist: Bruno Mars
• Genre: Pop / R&B
• Key Lyric: “At night when the stars light up my room / I sit by myself.”

“Talking to the Moon” by Bruno Mars captures the essence of lonely, insomnia-ridden nights with heartbreaking simplicity. Sung from the perspective of someone trying to communicate with a lost love across time and space, the song’s gentle piano and emotional vocals feel like a quiet confession at 2 a.m.

The moon becomes a symbol for unspoken thoughts and unanswered prayers—common companions to those lying awake in the stillness of night. It’s one of Mars’s most vulnerable tracks, perfectly suited for anyone who’s ever stared at the ceiling, replaying what they wish they could say.

#20 “Wide Awake” by Katy Perry (2012) – Empowering Pop Song About Clarity After Sleepless Struggle

• Album: Teenage Dream: The Complete Confection
• Release Date: May 22, 2012
• Artist: Katy Perry
• Genre: Pop
• Key Lyric: “I’m wide awake / Yeah, I was in the dark, I was falling hard.”

“Wide Awake” by Katy Perry turns the metaphor of sleeplessness into a story of emotional awakening. The song details her journey through heartbreak, disillusionment, and ultimately, personal growth. Perry’s lyrics suggest the kind of clarity that only comes after long nights of tossing and turning—when pain and reality break through illusions.

Built on midtempo pop production and cinematic hooks, “Wide Awake” blends vulnerability with strength, making it one of her most emotionally resonant singles. It’s a power anthem for those who find truth in insomnia, rising stronger after being kept up by the storm.

#21 “Night Owl” by Gerry Rafferty (1979) – Classic Rock Ballad About Living by Moonlight

• Album: Night Owl
• Release Date: July 1979
• Artist: Gerry Rafferty
• Genre: Soft Rock / Singer-Songwriter
• Key Lyric: “Night owl, I can’t sleep / You’re always walking in my dreams.”

“Night Owl” by Gerry Rafferty is a smooth and introspective soft rock track that paints a portrait of someone wired for nighttime, plagued by sleepless thoughts. The title alone sets the mood—this is a song for those who feel more alive when the rest of the world is asleep.

Rafferty’s signature warm vocals and laid-back arrangement evoke the isolation of insomnia without sinking into sadness. Instead, the song explores the creative and emotional wandering that happens when you’re up long after midnight. It’s a reflective and nostalgic insomnia song for the quiet souls who find their rhythm under the moon.

#22 “How to Fight Loneliness” by Wilco (1999) – Lo-Fi Anthem for Emotional Insomnia

• Album: Summerteeth
• Release Date: March 9, 1999
• Artist: Wilco
• Genre: Indie Rock / Alternative Country
• Key Lyric: “How to fight loneliness / Smile all the time.”

Wilco’s “How to Fight Loneliness” is a hushed, heartbreaking lullaby for anyone lying awake trying to hold it together. Jeff Tweedy delivers minimalist lyrics with devastating clarity, wrapped in dreamy instrumentation that feels like a half-conscious haze.

The song explores emotional numbness and performative calm, echoing the sleepless cycles of people who mask their pain by day and feel it fully at night. While not a traditional insomnia track, it captures the mental battle that unfolds when the lights go out and there’s no one left to pretend for. A quietly devastating song for sleepless nights of self-reflection.

#23 “Insomnia” by Craig David (2008) – Dance-Pop Track About Obsessive Late-Night Love

• Album: Greatest Hits
• Release Date: November 17, 2008
• Artist: Craig David
• Genre: R&B / Dance-Pop
• Key Lyric: “I just can’t go to sleep / ‘Cause it feels like I’ve fallen for you.”

“Insomnia” by Craig David is a pulsing R&B-dance track that turns romantic longing into a restless, energetic anthem. With club-ready production and David’s smooth vocals, the song describes lying awake with someone stuck in your mind, unable to shut down emotionally or physically.

It turns a universal experience—being too in love or heartbroken to sleep—into a catchy, fast-paced groove. Though the song feels like it belongs on a dance floor, its emotional undercurrent connects with the sleepless nights spent overanalyzing every word and memory. It’s insomnia framed through the lens of desire, delivered with polished pop flair.

#24 “Sleepless Nights” by The Everly Brothers (1960) – Classic Country Song About Sleep Lost to Heartbreak

• Album: It’s Everly Time!
• Release Date: May 1960
• Artist: The Everly Brothers
• Genre: Country / Early Rock
• Key Lyric: “Through sleepless nights I cry for you.”

“Sleepless Nights” by The Everly Brothers is a timeless ballad that beautifully captures the aching simplicity of insomnia caused by heartbreak. Released in 1960, the song features lush harmonies and traditional country instrumentation that highlight its sorrowful core.

The lyrics are direct and honest—this is about crying into your pillow, staring at the ceiling, and wishing someone would come back. There’s no metaphor or pretense—just raw emotion dressed in clean, melodic phrasing. It’s a foundational insomnia love song that paved the way for decades of torch songs and lonely night anthems that followed.

#25 “I Lie Awake Every Night” by Bonnie Raitt (1971) – Bluesy Reflection on Sleepless Regret

• Album: Bonnie Raitt
• Release Date: November 1971
• Artist: Bonnie Raitt
• Genre: Blues / Folk Rock
• Key Lyric: “I lie awake every night / Wonderin’ where you are.”

Bonnie Raitt’s “I Lie Awake Every Night” is a tender, blues-steeped lament filled with longing and late-night introspection. Released on her debut album, the song highlights her emotional vocal delivery and slide guitar work, capturing the deep ache of missing someone when the world is quiet.

It’s an honest reflection of the kind of sleepless night where every thought circles back to one person. Raitt’s soulful performance turns a simple lyric into something deeply relatable and haunting. This early career gem is perfect for those who lie awake in the dark, still holding on to what’s gone.

Summary

From the club anthem “Insomnia” by Faithless to the fragile heartbreak in Bonnie Raitt’s “I Lie Awake Every Night,” these songs for insomnia explore what happens when sleep just won’t come. Some, like Coldplay’s “Midnight” or Lord Huron’s “The Night We Met,” offer quiet, atmospheric introspection. Others, like Wiz Khalifa’s “No Sleep” and Katy Perry’s “Wide Awake,” transform restlessness into empowerment or high-energy escape.

No matter the cause—anxiety, lost love, ambition, or overstimulation—these songs about sleepless nights reflect a universal truth: you’re not alone in your 2 a.m. thoughts. Whether you’re building a late-night playlist, looking for music for insomniacs, or simply craving something that gets you, this collection offers 25 powerful songs that turn restlessness into art.