US High School Psychology Practice Exam

Which sleep disorder involves individuals stopping breathing due to various factors?

1. Sleep paralysis

2. Insomnia

3. Sleep apnea

4. Restless leg syndrome

The correct answer is: Sleep apnea

Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder characterized by repeated interruptions in breathing during sleep. This can occur due to physical blockages in the throat (obstructive sleep apnea) or because of problems in the brain's control over breathing (central sleep apnea). The key factor in sleep apnea is that these interruptions often lead to fragmented sleep and can cause the individual to wake up gasping for air, which can significantly affect overall restfulness and health. In contrast, sleep paralysis involves a temporary inability to move or speak while falling asleep or waking up, but it does not involve breathing interruptions. Insomnia is primarily about difficulty falling or staying asleep rather than problems with the breathing pattern. Restless leg syndrome involves an uncontrollable urge to move the legs, typically due to uncomfortable sensations, without the specific breathing interruptions that define sleep apnea. Thus, the focus on the breathing aspect makes sleep apnea the correct answer.