# apnea

/ˈæpniə/ (US) · CEFR C1 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/apnea
Updated: 2026-05-18

## Definition

a medical condition where you stop breathing for short periods while you sleep. It can make you feel very tired during the day.

For teachers: a sleep disorder characterized by repeated pauses in breathing during sleep, typically caused by the collapse of the upper airway. Often associated with loud snoring and daytime fatigue.

## Examples

- He was diagnosed with sleep apnea after his wife noticed his breathing stopped.
- The doctor recommended a CPAP machine to help manage his sleep apnea and improve his quality of rest.
- Untreated sleep apnea can lead to serious cardiovascular complications, as the body experiences frequent drops in oxygen levels throughout the night.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.