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

However, insurers are more likely to cover GLP-1 drugs when prescribed for Type 2 diabetes, sleep apnea or to reduce the risk of heart attack or stroke. — Ken Alltucker, USA Today, 28 Aug. 2026

The severe sleep apnea diagnosis that helps establish his medical need is also what excludes him from the discount program that would bring the cost within his reach. — Jackie Fortiér, Miami Herald, 25 Aug. 2026

The company began pursuing clearance with the FDA for its sleep apnea detection and mitigation technologies in 2025 and is conducting clinical studies in support of its submissions. — Lily Mae Lazarus, Fortune, 24 Aug. 2026

Decades of research have cemented links between obesity and heart disease, type 2 diabetes, fatty liver disease, sleep apnea, numerous cancers, osteoarthritis, and poor mental health. — Mike McRae 24, New Atlas, 24 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