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

Women with sleep apnea often don’t snore loudly, which is one reason so many go undiagnosed. — Hanna Wickes, Miami Herald, 4 Aug. 2026

From there, the doctor may order an in-lab sleep study or a home sleep apnea test, which patients pick up, run overnight and return. — Hanna Wickes, Kansas City Star, 4 Aug. 2026

Why untreated sleep apnea is a whole-body problem The stakes go well beyond feeling tired. — Hanna Wickes, Charlotte Observer, 3 Aug. 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