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

Overnight, the Galaxy Watch can listen for snoring (when paired with a nearby Samsung phone) and monitor for sleep apnea. — Andrew Gebhart, PC Magazine, 24 July 2026

Pelayo has concerns about the spread of information on mouth-taping, which can worsen issues for people who have obstructive sleep apnea. — Madeline Holcombe, CNN Money, 24 July 2026

When worn day and night, the Circa can keep tabs on health metrics including your heart rate and blood oxygen saturation that can help detect conditions such as asthma and sleep apnea. — Andrew Liszewski, The Verge, 21 July 2026

Treatment methods Before prescribing TRT, doctors generally look for potentially reversible or temporary factors, including obesity, certain medications, untreated obstructive sleep apnea, acute illness and excessive alcohol use. — Melissa Rudy, FOXNews.com, 20 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