Which of the following is a condition characterized by interruptions in breathing during sleep?

Sleep apnea is a condition specifically defined by interruptions in breathing that occur during sleep. These interruptions can vary in frequency and duration, leading to significant disruptions in the sleep cycle. Individuals with sleep apnea may experience pauses in their breathing that can last from a few seconds to minutes and can occur multiple times throughout the night. This can result in poor quality sleep, fatigue, and other health complications such as cardiovascular problems.

On the other hand, chronic bronchitis, asthma, and emphysema are all respiratory conditions that affect breathing during wakeful periods. Chronic bronchitis is characterized by persistent coughing and mucus production due to inflammation and irritation in the airways. Asthma involves airway inflammation that can lead to wheezing and difficulty breathing, often triggered by allergens or exercise. Emphysema results from damage to the alveoli in the lungs and is often associated with long-term smoking or exposure to irritants. While all these diseases can impact overall respiratory function, they do not specifically manifest as interruptions in breathing during sleep like sleep apnea does.