Word: Sleep Apnea
Definition: Sleep apnea is a medical condition where a person has pauses in their breathing or shallow breaths while they are sleeping. These pauses can last for a few seconds to minutes and can happen many times during the night, which often disrupts sleep.
Usage Instructions: - Context: Use "sleep apnea" when talking about health issues related to sleep. It is often discussed in medical or health-related conversations. - Form: It is a noun and is usually used in medical contexts.
Example: - "Many people do not realize they have sleep apnea until they notice they are very tired during the day."
Advanced Usage: - In medical discussions, you might hear about "obstructive sleep apnea," which is the most common type, caused by a blockage of the airway. There’s also "central sleep apnea," which happens when the brain fails to send signals to the muscles that control breathing.
Word Variants: - The term "apnea" itself can be used in other contexts, such as "apnea of prematurity," which refers to breathing problems in premature babies.
Different Meanings: - The word "apnea" without "sleep" simply means a temporary cessation of breathing. It can occur in different situations, not just during sleep.
Synonyms: - Sleep-disordered breathing (a broader term that includes sleep apnea). - No direct synonyms, but you might hear phrases like "breathing interruption during sleep."
Idioms and Phrasal Verbs: - There are no specific idioms or phrasal verbs related to sleep apnea, as it is a medical term. However, you might encounter phrases like "catch some Z's," which means to sleep, but it doesn’t relate directly to sleep apnea.
Additional Notes: - Sleep apnea can lead to other health problems if not treated, such as fatigue, heart issues, and high blood pressure. It is important to see a doctor if you think you might have it.