sleep apnea

sleep apnea

noun

Definition of SLEEP APNEA

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

First Known Use of SLEEP APNEA

1975

sleep apnea

noun    (Medical Dictionary)

Medical Definition of SLEEP APNEA

: 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

sleep apnea

noun    (Concise Encyclopedia)

Respiratory condition characterized by repetitive collapse of the upper airway during sleep. There are three types of sleep apnea: obstructive, central, and mixed. Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), which involves the collapse of tissues of the upper airway, is the most common form. In OSA airway collapse is terminated by a brief awakening, at which point the airway reopens and the person resumes breathing. Sleep apnea is often caused by excess fat in the neck area and is closely associated with obesity. Therefore, weight loss is effective in resolving sleep apnea. Other treatment may involve wearing a special mask during sleep to blow air into the upper airway (continuous positive airway pressure).