sleep apnea

noun

: apnea that recurs during sleep and is caused especially by obstruction of the airway or a disturbance in the brain's respiratory center

Examples of sleep apnea in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Untreated sleep apnea may also increase the risk of heart failure. —Lana Barhum, Verywell Health, 1 Dec. 2024

Indirectly, obesity accelerates the process of atherosclerosis and heart failure because of its impact on blood pressure, blood cholesterol levels, type 2 diabetes, and obstructive sleep apnea. —New Atlas, 24 Nov. 2024

Stomach sleeping, for instance, can reduce snoring or sleep apnea, while side sleeping can help support pregnant individuals or those with respiratory issues. —Ashley Zlatopolsky, Architectural Digest, 31 Oct. 2024

All of the above could point to sleep apnea—which warrants its own diagnosis and treatment. —Erica Sloan, SELF, 22 Oct. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1975, in the meaning defined above

Medical Definition

sleep apnea

noun

: brief periods of recurrent cessation of breathing during sleep that is caused especially by obstruction of the airway or a disturbance in the brain's respiratory center and is associated especially with excessive daytime sleepiness