sleep apnea

American  

[sleep ap-nee-uh] / ˈslip ˈæp ni ə /

noun

Pathology.

1. a condition in which breathing is repeatedly interrupted during sleep due to blockage of the upper airway, causing frequent momentary or partial waking: often a result of obesity or neurological impairment and typically associated with sleepiness during the day.

---

sleep apnea Scientific  

1. Apnea caused by upper airway obstruction during sleep, associated with frequent awakening and often with daytime sleepiness. It occurs most often in people who are obese or who have an obstructed respiratory tract or neurological abnormalities.

---

Etymology

Origin of sleep apnea

First recorded in 1975–80

---

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

sleep apnea

The researchers also considered additional medical conditions, including diabetes, depression, and sleep apnea.

From Science Daily ● Oct. 19, 2026

Not only do they treat Type 2 diabetes and help people lose weight, they are approved to help reduce related issues like heart attacks or to treat sleep apnea.

From MarketWatch ● Oct. 8, 2026

Testosterone levels can be lower from illness, significant trauma or even chronic poor sleep from conditions such as sleep apnea.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 31, 2026

But, importantly, the program doesn’t cover the medication for patients who’d be eligible for a GLP-1 under existing Medicare Part D benefits—for conditions like Type 2 diabetes, obstructive sleep apnea, and fatty liver disease.

From Barron's ● Jun. 30, 2026

The mystery patient reportedly needs retatrutide to treat obesity, sleep apnea, and pulmonary hypertension—a potentially life-threatening condition Trump hasn’t admitted to having.

From Slate ● Jun. 23, 2026

Random Word

Spin the wheel and learn a new word!

---