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

Longer term goals focus on sustainable weight loss of up to 20% of starting body weight typically accompanied with major improvements in diabetes, joint pain, sleep apnea, and cardiovascular health. —Encinitas Advocate, San Diego Union-Tribune, 7 July 2025

Rising temperatures, amplified by climate change, are contributing to an increase in cases of sleep apnea, a condition in which breathing repeatedly stops during sleep, according to a new study published in the journal Nature Communications. —Matthew Glasser, ABC News, 30 June 2025

Sepsis and cystitis are listed as contributing factors, as well as neurodegenerative disorder, obstructive sleep apnea, chronic respiratory failure and chronic kidney disease. —Denise Petski, Deadline, 26 June 2025

The condition is strongly related to early-stage diabetes, hypertension, obstructive sleep apnea, and coronary artery disease, among others. —Ximena Araya-Fischel, Forbes.com, 26 June 2025

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