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

Around a billion people around the world are already impacted by sleep apnea, which at best causes daytime fatigue, but is a key factor in elevated blood pressure and in turn stroke and heart attack. —New Atlas, 16 June 2025

This customizable frame would work great for those with mobility issues or health issues like acid reflux, restless leg syndrome, sleep apnea, or sciatica (among other things). —Louryn Strampe, Wired News, 15 May 2025

Secondary hypertension is the less common type and develops as a direct result of an underlying health condition (e.g., kidney disease or sleep apnea) or medication (e.g., birth control pills, chronic use of NSAIDs, and certain antidepressants). —Colleen Doherty, Verywell Health, 12 May 2025

Medical conditions such as type 2 diabetes, sleep apnea, high cholesterol and high blood pressure commonly increase one's risk of stroke and are also often within a person's control to reduce or avoid. —Daryl Austin, USA Today, 24 Apr. 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