Which of the following best defines sleep apnea as discussed in AP Psychology?

• A. A condition in which a person has difficulty falling or staying asleep
• B. A sleep disorder characterized by temporary cessations of breathing during sleep and repeated momentary awakenings
• C. A disorder marked by high levels of physical activity or sleepwalking during non-REM sleep
• D. A sleep disorder involving uncontrollable sleep attacks, often falling directly into REM sleep

Answer: (B)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Identify the key features of sleep apnea as discussed in AP Psychology, focusing on its symptoms and effects during sleep.
2. Understand that sleep apnea involves interruptions in breathing, which can cause repeated awakenings and disrupt normal sleep patterns.
3. Compare the given options to see which one mentions temporary cessations of breathing and repeated momentary awakenings during sleep.
4. Recognize that other options describe different sleep disorders: difficulty falling asleep (insomnia), sleepwalking (a parasomnia), and uncontrollable sleep attacks (narcolepsy).
5. Conclude that the best definition of sleep apnea is the one describing it as a sleep disorder characterized by temporary cessations of breathing during sleep and repeated momentary awakenings.