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

Watch for primary care physicians and dentists to more routinely screen partnered snorers for obstructive sleep apnea, and for CPAP and oral-appliance referrals to rise alongside sleep-divorce coverage. — Lauren Schuster, Sacbee.com, 18 Sep. 2026

ResMed, known for its treatments for sleep apnea and other breathing disorders, recently reported an upbeat fourth quarter earnings in August, delivering better-than-expected sales in its core sleep devices segment. — Sean Conlon,chloe Taylor,lee Ying Shan,ananya Chetia, CNBC, 14 Sep. 2026

The six month trial includes 646 adults who had mild to severe sleep apnea and couldn’t or wouldn’t use CPAP. — Helen Carefoot, Flow Space, 11 Sep. 2026

Yet, in the 25 years since, doctors have diagnosed her with at least three conditions consistent with toxic exposure – tracheomalacia, fibromyalgia and sleep apnea. — Karissa Waddick, USA Today, 6 Sep. 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