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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
He has been diagnosed with leukemia, diabetes, and a host of other medical conditions, including coronary artery disease and sleep apnea. Gene Maddaus, Variety, 2 Dec. 2024 Getting quality sleep, which includes treating issues such as sleep apnea, can also lower dementia risk, as can eating a healthy diet. Kaitlin Sullivan, NBC News, 13 Jan. 2025 Both lack of sleep and low-quality sleep from sleep disorders like sleep apnea are associated with poor cognitive function. Sarah Anzlovar, Ms, Rd, Verywell Health, 10 Jan. 2025 These include poor diet and lack of exercise, along with sleep disorders such as sleep apnea. Monica Cull, Discover Magazine, 8 Jan. 2025 See all Example Sentences for sleep apnea 

Word History

First Known Use

1975, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of sleep apnea was in 1975

Dictionary Entries Near sleep apnea

Cite this Entry

“Sleep apnea.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sleep%20apnea. Accessed 30 Jan. 2025.

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

More from Merriam-Webster on sleep apnea

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