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.

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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.

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Etymology

Origin of sleep apnea

First recorded in 1975–80

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

sleep apnea

Anyone already receiving GLP-1 coverage through standard Medicare drug benefits, for diabetes, sleep apnea or related conditions, is excluded and stays on their existing plan.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 2, 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

Until this week, Medicare only covered GLP-1 drugs for conditions like Type 2 diabetes, sleep apnea, and stroke or heart-attack risk.

From MarketWatch ● Jun. 30, 2026

Prior to publication, the White House, the FDA, and the Department of Health and Human Services all wouldn’t answer directly whether this applicant with “refractory obesity with obstructive sleep apnea and pulmonary hypertension” was Trump.

From Slate ● Jun. 27, 2026

He wondered whether sleep apnea might be to blame.

From Science Daily ● Jun. 22, 2026