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

Aside from the now-pedestrian ability to count steps, the watches purportedly can spot possible atrial fibrillation (an irregular heart rhythm) and sleep apnea. —Scott Lafee, San Diego Union-Tribune, 11 Nov. 2025

There are plenty of different approaches to quelling snoring, including nasal strips, side sleeping, weight loss and, for those with sleep apnea, a CPAP machine prescribed by a doctor. —Ian Kerner, CNN Money, 11 Nov. 2025

Even before today’s announcement, though, Medicare could cover the drugs for other conditions that often accompany being overweight, such as diabetes and sleep apnea. —Nicholas Florko, The Atlantic, 7 Nov. 2025

Taking a medication like a GLP-1 is one, but other drugs, conditions like sleep apnea, and diet and exercise can make a difference, too. —Emily Kay Votruba, EverydayHealth.com, 7 Nov. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1975, in the meaning defined above

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