Which condition is commonly linked with sleep disturbances and is characterized by episodes of breathing cessation during sleep?

Sleep apnea is a condition specifically characterized by episodes of breathing cessation during sleep, which can lead to significant sleep disturbances. Individuals with sleep apnea may experience interruptions in their breathing that can last from a few seconds to minutes, often followed by abrupt awakenings, leading to fragmented sleep and daytime fatigue. The condition is often associated with loud snoring, gasping, or choking sensations during sleep, and it is closely linked to various health risks, including cardiovascular issues and hypertension.

Asthma, while it can cause sleep disturbances due to difficulties in breathing, does not primarily present with episodes of breathing cessation. Chronic bronchitis and emphysema are both forms of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) that primarily affect lung function and may also lead to sleep issues due to respiratory difficulty, but they do not typically involve the recurrent stop-start breathing pattern that defines sleep apnea. Hence, sleep apnea is distinctly recognized for its direct and specific relation to breathing cessation during sleep.