Cross-examination exactors extracted caused sleeplessness? (8)

I believe the answer is:

insomnia

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'sleeplessness?' is the definition.
(insomnia is a kind of sleeplessness)

I can't explain the rest of the clue.

(Other definitions for insomnia that I've seen before include "Inability to drop off" , "Habitual sleeplessness" , "Sleep disorder" , "Habitual inability to sleep (8)" , "Not getting off" .)

I've seen this clue in The Irish Times.

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