20 Songs About Insomnia And Sleepless Nights

As someone who has spent countless nights staring at the ceiling, wrestling with the relentless grip of insomnia, I know all too well the unique solitude and introspection that accompany sleepless nights. The world outside falls silent, yet my mind races, refusing to succumb to the rest it desperately needs. During these hours, music becomes my companion, offering solace and understanding through melodies and lyrics that resonate with my restless spirit. 

Here, I’ve curated a list of 20 songs that capture the essence of insomnia and sleepless nights, each one a testament to the shared experience of those who find themselves awake when the world is asleep.

1. “Can’t Sleep” By Above & Beyond

“Can’t Sleep” by Above & Beyond is a trance track that delves into the emotional struggle of sleeplessness caused by a lost love. The song is part of their album Tri-State and features haunting lyrics that vividly depict the protagonist’s insomnia. The opening lines, “4:30 A.M, I’m awake again / Singing to the dark through open eyes,” set the stage for a night filled with longing and introspection. The protagonist is caught in a cycle of restlessness, unable to sleep due to the emotional turmoil from a past relationship. The lyrics “Stuck between desire and compromise” highlight the internal conflict between wanting to rekindle the past and knowing it’s not feasible. The repeated refrain, “And I can’t sleep… You’re so far away from me,” emphasizes the physical and emotional distance that exacerbates the sleeplessness. The song captures the essence of a love that has left an indelible mark, making it impossible for the protagonist to find peace.

2. “Blinding Lights” By The Weeknd

“Blinding Lights” by The Weeknd is a song that explores the theme of sleeplessness driven by love and longing. Released in 2019, it became one of The Weeknd’s biggest hits, topping multiple charts worldwide. The song narrates the protagonist’s late-night drive to see his beloved, with the city lights symbolizing both literal and metaphorical blinding. The line “I can’t sleep until I feel your touch” underscores the emotional insomnia caused by his intense longing and desire to be with his partner. The song’s upbeat tempo contrasts with its underlying theme of sleepless nights and emotional turmoil, making it a relatable anthem for those kept awake by love.

3. “Sleepless Nights” By Norah Jones

“Sleepless Nights” by Norah Jones is a melancholic ballad that delves into the heartache and emotional turbulence that leads to insomnia. The song’s gentle melody and Jones’ soulful voice create a poignant atmosphere, capturing the essence of sleepless nights filled with longing and sorrow. The lyrics reflect the protagonist’s struggle to find peace and rest as they are haunted by memories and feelings of a lost love. The song beautifully portrays the quiet, reflective moments of the night when one is left alone with their thoughts and emotions, making it a fitting addition to any playlist about insomnia and sleepless nights.

4. “How Do You Sleep?” By Sam Smith

“How Do You Sleep?” by Sam Smith is a powerful exploration of emotional insomnia caused by heartbreak and betrayal. Released in 2019, the song features Smith questioning a former lover, “How do you sleep when you lie to me?” This line encapsulates the singer’s struggle with deceit and the ensuing emotional turmoil that keeps them awake at night. The song delves into the concept of emotional insomnia, where the mind is unable to find peace due to distress and unresolved feelings. The upbeat production contrasts with the heavy emotional content, making it a compelling listen for anyone who has experienced sleepless nights due to relationship woes.

5. “Sleepyhead” By Passion Pit

“Sleepyhead” by Passion Pit is an energetic and eclectic track from their debut EP Chunk of Change. The song captures the essence of insomnia through its vibrant and somewhat chaotic sound, reflecting the restless mind of someone struggling to find sleep. The lyrics, “And you said it was like fire around the brim / Burning solid, burning thin the burning rim,” evoke a sense of mental exhaustion and a desperate attempt to escape overwhelming emotions. The song’s upbeat tempo and electronic elements contrast with its underlying theme of sleeplessness, creating a dynamic representation of the struggle to find peace in the midst of insomnia.

6. “Sleep Without You” By Brett Young

“Sleep Without You” by Brett Young is a heartfelt country pop song that explores the emotional difficulty of sleeping without a loved one. Released as the lead single from his debut self-titled album, the song describes a man who finds it impossible to sleep until his partner returns home. The lyrics, “No matter how late, baby I’ll be stayin’ up / I can’t sleep without you,” highlight the protagonist’s deep attachment and the comfort he finds in his partner’s presence. The song’s relatable theme and Young’s sincere delivery make it a poignant anthem for those who experience sleepless nights due to missing someone special.

7. “I Can’t Sleep” By Clay Walker

“I Can’t Sleep” by Clay Walker is a country ballad that delves into the anguish of sleeplessness caused by heartache. Released in 2004, the song tells the story of a man who is unable to sleep because he is haunted by memories of a lost love. The lyrics, “I been up all night long / I’ve given up, damn the dawn / It ain’t never gonna come / As long as you’re gone,” convey the protagonist’s emotional turmoil and longing. The song’s melancholic tone and Walker’s emotive performance capture the essence of insomnia driven by sorrow and regret.

8. “(Last Night) I Didn’t Get to Sleep at All” By The 5th Dimension

“(Last Night) I Didn’t Get to Sleep at All” by The 5th Dimension is a classic pop song from the early 1970s that addresses the frustration of a sleepless night. The lyrics, “Last night, I didn’t get to sleep at all / I lay awake and watched until the morning light,” depict the protagonist’s struggle with insomnia and the thoughts that keep them awake. The song’s catchy melody and harmonious vocals provide a contrast to the theme of sleeplessness, creating a relatable and enduring track for anyone who has experienced a restless night.

9. “Both Ends Burning” By Roxy Music

“Both Ends Burning” by Roxy Music is a track from their 1975 album Siren. Written by Bryan Ferry, the song reflects the intense pressure the band faced while completing the album and maintaining their demanding tour schedule. The lyrics convey a sense of urgency and exhaustion, with Ferry singing about burning the candle at both ends. The song’s energetic tempo and use of synthesizers create a frenetic atmosphere that mirrors the chaos and sleeplessness experienced by the band during this period. The track has been praised for its innovative use of synthesizers and remains a live favorite for Roxy Music fans.

10. “Enter Sandman” By Metallica

“Enter Sandman” by Metallica is a heavy metal classic from their 1991 self-titled album, also known as The Black Album. The song deals with themes of nightmares and the fear of sleep, encapsulated in the lyrics “Exit light, enter night / Take my hand, we’re off to never-never land.” The iconic riff and haunting lyrics, which include a twisted version of a bedtime prayer, create a sense of dread and insomnia. The song was a commercial success, reaching number 16 on the Billboard Hot 100 and becoming one of Metallica’s most recognizable tracks. It explores the darker aspects of sleep, making it a perfect addition to a playlist about insomnia.

11. “You Can Sleep While I Drive” By Melissa Etheridge

“You Can Sleep While I Drive” by Melissa Etheridge is a poignant ballad from her 1989 album Brave and Crazy. The song tells the story of a journey where the narrator offers to drive while their companion sleeps, symbolizing a sense of protection and care amidst the loneliness of the road. The lyrics, “You can sleep while I drive,” suggest a desire to provide comfort and security, even if the narrator themselves might be struggling with their own sleeplessness. The song’s gentle melody and heartfelt lyrics make it a touching exploration of the themes of rest and sleepless nights.

12. “Insomnia” By Megadeth

“Insomnia” by Megadeth, from their 1999 album Risk, is a hard-hitting track that delves into the mental and physical toll of sleeplessness. The lyrics, “My swollen bloodshot eyes / Awake ’til morning light,” vividly describe the agony of being unable to sleep. The song reflects frontman Dave Mustaine’s personal experiences with insomnia and substance use during the 1980s. The frantic pace and intense guitar riffs mirror the chaos and restlessness of a mind that cannot find peace. “Insomnia” captures the darker side of sleeplessness, making it a powerful addition to any playlist focused on this theme.

13. “Who Needs Sleep?” By Barenaked Ladies

“Who Needs Sleep?” by Barenaked Ladies is a witty and relatable track from their 1998 album Stunt. The song humorously addresses the frustrations of insomnia with lyrics that capture the essence of sleepless nights. Lines like “Lids down, I count sheep / I count heartbeats / The only thing that counts is / that I won’t sleep” convey the protagonist’s struggle to find rest despite their best efforts. The song uses irony to highlight the desperation and exhaustion that come with chronic sleeplessness, making it a relatable anthem for anyone who has battled insomnia. Its upbeat tempo and clever lyrics provide a light-hearted take on a common issue.

14. “Sleeping Sickness” By City And Colour

“Sleeping Sickness” by City and Colour, the solo project of Canadian singer-songwriter Dallas Green, is a hauntingly beautiful song from the 2008 album Bring Me Your Love. The track delves into the emotional and psychological aspects of insomnia, using it as a metaphor for mental and emotional turmoil. The lyrics “Someone come and someone come and save my life” reflect a desperate plea for help and relief from the relentless cycle of sleeplessness. The song’s melancholic melody and introspective lyrics create a poignant atmosphere, capturing the essence of insomnia and the inner demons that keep one awake at night.

15. “Insomnia” By Daya

“Insomnia” by Daya is a pop track that explores the emotional turmoil of sleeplessness caused by longing and heartache. Released in 2019, the song describes the protagonist’s struggle to sleep due to thoughts of a loved one. The lyrics “I can’t sleep, I can’t sleep, I can’t sleep / ‘Til you’re next to me, no, I can’t” highlight the intense emotional impact of missing someone so deeply that it disrupts sleep. Daya’s soulful vocals and the song’s catchy beat create a compelling portrayal of love-induced insomnia, making it a relatable and emotional addition to any playlist about sleepless nights.

16. “Sleep To Dream” By Fiona Apple

“Sleep to Dream” by Fiona Apple is a powerful and defiant track from her 1996 debut album Tidal. Despite its title, the song is not about insomnia in the literal sense but uses sleep and dreams as metaphors for personal empowerment and self-assertion. The lyrics “I’ve got my feet on the ground / and I don’t go to sleep to dream” reflect the protagonist’s determination to stay grounded in reality and face challenges head-on rather than escaping into dreams. The song’s raw emotion and assertive tone make it an anthem of strength and resilience, resonating with anyone who has felt the need to take control of their life and break free from unhealthy situations.

17. “Beds Are Burning” By Midnight Oil

“Beds Are Burning” by Midnight Oil is a politically charged rock song from their 1987 album Diesel and Dust. Although not directly about insomnia, the song uses the metaphor of burning beds to highlight the urgency and injustice faced by Australia’s indigenous Aboriginal populations who were displaced from their lands. The lyrics, “How can we dance when our earth is turning? / How do we sleep while our beds are burning?” emphasize the moral imperative to address these wrongs. The song’s driving rhythm and passionate delivery create a sense of restlessness and urgency, mirroring the sleepless nights of those affected by these injustices. This track, with its powerful message and energetic beat, adds a unique dimension to a playlist about insomnia by focusing on a broader social and moral wakefulness.

18. “Wide Awake” By Audioslave

“Wide Awake” by Audioslave, from their 2006 album Revelations, is a song that tackles the theme of insomnia through a lens of social and political awareness. The lyrics, “I find you here, wide awake after a sleepless night,” set the stage for a narrative that critiques the complacency and inaction in the face of social injustices. The song’s intense guitar riffs and Chris Cornell’s powerful vocals convey a sense of urgency and frustration, reflecting the sleeplessness that comes from being acutely aware of the world’s problems. This track fits well into a playlist about insomnia, offering a perspective on sleeplessness driven by a heightened sense of responsibility and awareness.

19. “Sleeping With The Television On” By Billy Joel

“Sleeping With The Television On” by Billy Joel is a track from his 1980 album Glass Houses. The song explores the theme of loneliness and emotional isolation, using the metaphor of falling asleep with the television on to signify a lack of meaningful connection. The lyrics, “You’ll be sleeping with the television on,” suggest a scenario where the protagonist uses the TV as a distraction from their solitude and unfulfilled desires. The upbeat tempo and catchy melody contrast with the underlying sense of melancholy, capturing the restless nights of someone who is emotionally unfulfilled. This song adds a relatable and introspective element to a playlist about sleepless nights.

20. “In The Wee Small Hours Of The Morning” By Carly Simon

“In The Wee Small Hours Of The Morning” by Carly Simon is a cover of the classic song from her 1990 album My Romance. The song beautifully captures the quiet, reflective moments of the early morning hours when the rest of the world is asleep. The lyrics, “In the wee small hours of the morning / While the whole wide world is fast asleep / You lie awake and think about the boy,” convey a sense of longing and heartache that keeps the protagonist awake. Carly Simon’s soulful rendition adds a layer of emotional depth, making it a poignant addition to any playlist about insomnia and sleepless nights. The song’s gentle melody and introspective lyrics perfectly encapsulate the feelings of solitude and reflection that often accompany sleepless nights.

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Serena Whitfield

Serena Whitfield is the founder of PlaylistCurator.org. She’s a musician who writes songs for bands. She studied music at the University of Oxford and graduated with distinction. With her expertise, she knows how to review songs and understand what makes good and bad music. Every playlist on our platform is approved by her before publishing to maintain top-notch quality. If you want her to check out your song and maybe get featured on our playlist, submit your song for Serena to evaluate.