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.
Fiber-rich whole grains, nuts, and lean proteins can help maintain a healthy body weight, which may ease pressure on the airway during sleep, and reduce sleep apnea episodes. Lindsay Curtis, Health, 27 Feb. 2026 In addition to the person who experiences obstructive sleep apnea, romantic partners are affected, too. Ashley Olivine, Verywell Health, 27 Feb. 2026 In rare scenarios, those wakeups might be tied to conditions like sleep apnea or hyperthyroidism. Erica Sloan, SELF, 24 Feb. 2026 Obesity, some cases of overweight with medical conditions, and obstructive sleep apnea. Shafiq Najib, ABC News, 23 Feb. 2026 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

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Cite this Entry

“Sleep apnea.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sleep%20apnea. Accessed 3 Mar. 2026.

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

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