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
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Another cause for concern is sleep apnea, a common but potentially serious sleep disorder. Kris Ann Valdez, Parents, 22 Oct. 2025 Meanwhile, Eli Lilly is studying orforglipron in separate trials in patients with obstructive sleep apnea and hypertension. Annika Kim Constantino,bertha Coombs, CNBC, 21 Oct. 2025 On top of workout metrics, the Apple Watch SE will track your sleep, giving you a daily sleep score and sending sleep apnea notifications. Christopher Murray May Earn A Commission If You Buy Through Our Referral Links. This Content Was Created By A Team That Works Independently From The Fox Newsroom., FOXNews.com, 16 Oct. 2025 Globally, obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) affects approximately one billion people. New Atlas, 13 Oct. 2025 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 25 Oct. 2025.

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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