Final answer:
Sleep apnea is the disorder that involves temporary stoppages of breathing while a person is asleep, which can cause several symptoms and requires medical attention.
Step-by-step explanation:
The disorder characterized by temporary cessations of breathing during sleep is known as sleep apnea. This condition occurs when air flow is physically blocked, leading to pauses in breathing that can last from a few seconds to several minutes. Sleep apnea can lead to symptoms such as fatigue, irritability, memory problems, and morning headaches, and is observed more commonly in overweight individuals, though it can affect anyone. It is important to be checked for sleep apnea if one experiences loud snoring or gasps for air during sleep.