AP Psychology Practice Test 2025 - Free AP Psychology Practice Questions and Study Guide

Sleep apnea is characterized by temporary cessations of breathing during sleep. This condition occurs when the airway becomes obstructed, leading to episodes where the individual stops breathing for a brief period, which can last from a few seconds to several minutes. These interruptions can happen numerous times throughout the night, disrupting the sleep cycle and leading to fragmented sleep.

When someone experiences sleep apnea, they may not remember these occurrences, but they can result in excessive daytime sleepiness, irritability, and difficulties with concentration due to the poor quality of sleep. This condition is commonly recognized by its symptoms, which include loud snoring and gasping or choking episodes during sleep.

Understanding the different sleep disorders is crucial, and sleep apnea stands out due to its specific breathing-related disruptions rather than issues with falling asleep, sleep attacks, or brain wave patterns associated with other sleep stages.