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

Complications can include acne and similar skin problems, sleep apnea, skin reactions to patches or gels, steroid rage and emotional disorders, and enlarged breast tissue, according to StatPearls. — Mason Leib, ABC News, 17 July 2026

Several conditions become more common in women during perimenopause, including sleep apnea, restless leg syndrome, thyroid disorders and depression. — Hanna Wickes, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 17 July 2026

The stroke was triggered by high blood pressure and made worse by untreated sleep apnea, causing Miner to stop breathing. — Claire Harutunian, Charlotte Observer, 15 July 2026

Normalizing sleep apnea treatments is the goal of the CPAP Baddies page, Pucknat told CNN. — Ramishah Maruf, CNN Money, 11 July 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