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

In the meantime, the results provide new evidence that clinicians and patients, when making decisions about testing for sleep apnea and treating it, should consider the possibility that untreated sleep apnea causes or exacerbates dementia. —Marco Rubio, Newsweek, 1 Nov. 2024

For example, bradycardia due to sleep apnea can improve once the sleep apnea is treated. —Julie Scott, Msn, Anp-Bc, Aocnp, Verywell Health, 23 Oct. 2024

Some treatable sleep disorders, such as hypersomnia, sleep apnea, and narcolepsy, also result in excessive daytime fatigue, even if someone slept plenty the night before. —Jamie Ducharme, TIME, 10 Oct. 2024

For the Apple Watch, sleep apnea notifications are added. —Nicole Fallert, USA TODAY, 3 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