Final answer:
Sleep apnea is a disorder characterized by pauses in breathing during sleep, with apneic episodes often ending with a snorting sound.
Step-by-step explanation:
Sleep apnea is a disorder characterized by pauses in breathing during sleep, usually because of physical blockage of air flow. These pauses, known as apneic episodes, can end with a snorting sound. This sound is caused by a sudden intake of breath after the pause in breathing.