Apnea

/ˈæpniə/ noun

Definition

A temporary stopping of breathing, usually during sleep, which can happen repeatedly throughout the night.

Etymology

From Greek 'a-' (without) and 'pnein' (to breathe). Medical term that entered English in the 19th century as doctors studied sleep disorders.

Kelly Says

Sleep apnea literally means 'no breathing,' and people with it can stop breathing dozens of times per hour—their brain eventually jerks them awake to breathe again, which is why they're exhausted all day!

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