What is sleep apnea?

Sleep apnea is a disorder characterized by interrupted breathing during sleep. This condition can lead to reduced oxygen levels in the body and fragmented sleep patterns, as individuals may stop breathing for short periods, sometimes hundreds of times a night. These breathing interruptions can result in loud snoring or gasping for air, followed by brief awakenings that the person may not be conscious of.

Understanding the nature of sleep apnea is critical as it impacts overall health and quality of life. It can cause daytime fatigue, difficulty concentrating, and is linked to more serious health issues, such as cardiovascular problems. The other choices do not accurately depict sleep apnea; vivid dreams are more related to REM sleep, frequent waking is a symptom of many sleep disorders but does not specifically define sleep apnea, and excessive yawning is not a defining characteristic of sleep apnea, making the chosen definition the most accurate and comprehensive.