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

Many consumer devices undergo the FDA clearance process, such as LED masks and fitness trackers that have features like irregular heart rhythm or sleep apnea alerts. —Boutayna Chokrane, WIRED, 13 Feb. 2025

Frequent, loud and disruptive snoring is often a sign of obstructive sleep apnea, a common form of sleep apnea that happens when your throat tissues and tongue muscle relax and block your airway, Dr. Sajid said. —Katie Mogg, New York Times, 23 Jan. 2025

Sleep Apnea While there is no evidence to show that GLP-1 drugs can improve sleep apnea, Whyte says research has shown that weight loss from GLP-1 use can indirectly improve sleep apnea symptoms by reducing fat around the airways. —Lauryn Higgins, Flow Space, 2 Jan. 2025

The three most common causes of sleepiness or tiredness are insufficient sleep, insomnia and sleep apnea, Mundt said. —Julianna Bragg, CNN, 18 Feb. 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