screen apnea

/ˈskrin ˌæpniə/
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An unnoticed change in breathing that can happen during intense focus on a digital display.

Examples

  • Her screen apnea eased when she began pausing between online meetings to breathe normally.
  • He did not realize that screen apnea was making his shoulders tense during video calls.
  • A breathing reminder can interrupt screen apnea, but lasting symptoms still need medical advice.
  • I noticed my screen apnea when I finally exhaled after answering a tense email.
  • Does screen apnea happen to you while you are concentrating on a difficult spreadsheet?

Similar words

tech apnea
email apnea

Meanings

Holding or reducing the breath at a screen

technology
neutral
Unconsciously holding the breath or breathing very shallowly while concentrating on a phone, computer, or other screen.

Examples

  • I noticed my screen apnea when I finally exhaled after answering a tense email.
  • Does screen apnea happen to you while you are concentrating on a difficult spreadsheet?
  • Her screen apnea eased when she began pausing between online meetings to breathe normally.
  • The article describes screen apnea as an unnoticed habit, not the sleep disorder.
  • He did not realize that screen apnea was making his shoulders tense during video calls.
  • A breathing reminder can interrupt screen apnea, but lasting symptoms still need medical advice.

Similar words

Etymology

A transparent combination of screen and apnea, a word for a pause in breathing. Researcher Linda Stone reported naming the pattern email apnea in 2008 and later used screen apnea for the wider habit during screen use.

FAQ

What does screen apnea mean?

Screen apnea is the unnoticed habit of holding the breath or breathing very shallowly while concentrating on a screen.

Is screen apnea a medical diagnosis?

No. Screen apnea is an informal name for a breathing habit noticed during screen use, not a formal medical diagnosis.

Is screen apnea the same as sleep apnea?

No. Screen apnea happens while a person is awake and using a screen, while sleep apnea is a medical disorder involving repeated breathing interruptions during sleep.

Is email apnea the same as screen apnea?

The names are often used for the same pattern. Email apnea focuses on email, while screen apnea covers screen activities more broadly.

Who coined screen apnea?

Researcher and former technology executive Linda Stone reported naming the pattern email apnea in 2008 and later using screen apnea as an interchangeable, broader name.

How is screen apnea pronounced?

Screen apnea is pronounced /ˈskrin ˌæpniə/ in General American English.

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