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

Progress with less-invasive laparoscopic techniques made these surgeries safer and more appealing to patients suffering health consequences of excess weight like high blood pressure, sleep apnea, Type 2 diabetes and heart disease. —Amber Gaudet updated February 20, Charlotte Observer, 20 Feb. 2026

Chatham adds that tirzepatide (specifically Zepbound) has FDA approval to help treat obstructive sleep apnea in people with obesity. —Nicole Hernandez, USA Today, 19 Feb. 2026

Key Takeaways Cognitive health can decline due to recurrent interrupted sleep and low oxygen levels of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). —Heidi Moawad, Verywell Health, 9 Feb. 2026

The fast-growing class of drugs has the potential to treat other conditions, such as sleep apnea, and reduce the risk of stroke. —Zev Fima, CNBC, 4 Feb. 2026

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