How long is the pause in breathing defined as apnea?

Apnea is defined as a pause in breathing that lasts for 10 seconds or longer. This defines several clinical contexts where the timing of such pauses can have significant implications for health, particularly in conditions affecting respiratory function. For example, in sleep apnea disorders, the cessation of airflow and the resultant oxygen desaturation may occur in episodes lasting longer than this threshold, which can lead to serious cardiovascular consequences. Thus, recognizing the 10-second mark as the criterion for apnea is critical for accurate diagnosis and management in clinical practice.