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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Many sleep apnea cases go undiagnosed -- something that Sanders wants to change. Dj Siddiqi, Forbes.com, 26 Mar. 2025 It’s best paired with a Samsung phone to access a few extra features, like the electrocardiogram and FDA-cleared sleep apnea detection, but will otherwise work with all Android phones. Simon Hill, WIRED, 25 Mar. 2025 And Jackson doesn't need his sleep apnea machine anymore. Sydney Lupkin, NPR, 19 Mar. 2025 Morgan Stanley initiates ResMed as overweight The firm initiates coverage of the sleep apnea company and says ResMed is attractive. Michael Bloom, CNBC, 19 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for sleep apnea

Word History

First Known Use

1975, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of sleep apnea was in 1975

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Cite this Entry

“Sleep apnea.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sleep%20apnea. Accessed 31 Mar. 2025.

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

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