1. A temporary reduction in the depth and rate of breathing during sleep, characterized by a partial decrease in airflow lasting at least 10 seconds.
Usage: medical; sleep medicine; often used in the context of sleep apnea diagnosis

Examples

• The sleep study detected multiple hypopnea events throughout the patient's night.
• Hypopnea differs from apnea in that breathing continues, though at a reduced level.
• The doctor explained that hypopnea can still disrupt sleep quality and oxygen levels.
• Patients with obstructive sleep apnea often experience both apnea and hypopnea episodes.
• The technician counted 15 hypopnea events per hour during the polysomnography test.