sleep apnea

the temporary cessation of breathing while asleep, which occurs when the upper airway briefly becomes blocked (obstructive sleep apnea) or when the respiratory centers in the brain fail to stimulate respiration (central sleep apnea). It can cause severe daytime sleepiness, and evidence is building that untreated severe sleep apnea may be associated with high blood pressure and risk for stroke and heart attack. See also breathing-related sleep disorder.

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Psychology term of the day

May 6th 2024

public residential facility

any residential setting directly operated by state or local government for individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities. The term generally refers to large institutions, such as developmental centers (formerly called training schools or state schools), but the number of smaller residential settings, such as community residences, that are publicly operated now greatly exceeds the number of remaining large public facilities.