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

Several can detect car crashes or spikes in heart rate as a result of tachycardia, along with such conditions as atrial fibrillation and sleep apnea.

From MarketWatch • May 28, 2026

According to Civello, the next wave — in which wearables can detect conditions like atrial fibrillation, hypertension and sleep apnea — is happening now.

From MarketWatch • May 28, 2026

In addition to reducing blood sugar and spurring weight loss, the medicines are approved for reducing the risk of heart attacks and strokes, and in testing for helping with sleep apnea and dampening addictive behaviors.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 21, 2026

The increases in sleep apnea and heart failure risk were statistically significant.

From Science Daily • May 19, 2026

Her requests for coverage have been denied, despite a diagnosis of sleep apnea.

From BBC • Mar. 23, 2026