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

GLP-1s are primarily for treating type 2 diabetes, obesity, cardiovascular disease, and sleep apnea. — Dr. Samantha Aquino Calpo, ABC News, 24 June 2026

It was made by a senior clinician at the National Institutes of Health named Ranganath Muniyappa, who requested it on behalf of a patient with refractory obesity, obstructive sleep apnea, and pulmonary hypertension, which is high blood pressure in the lungs. — Beth Mole, ArsTechnica, 23 June 2026

Getting a current-generation Apple smartwatch equipped with a 50-meter water-resistant shell and sleep apnea notifications for over $100 off is exceptional, making this deal the best current best valu for taking control of your daily wellness or field habits. — Juhi Wadia, PC Magazine, 23 June 2026

Somehow, her health information, including the sleep apnea testing results, hadn't made it to the right people. — Sydney Lupkin, NPR, 23 June 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1975, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for sleep apnea

• hypercapnia

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