Final answer:
Sleep apnea is a sleep disorder characterized by pauses in breathing that last at least 10 seconds during sleep. It can be caused by either physical blockage of airflow (obstructive sleep apnea) or disruptions in the brain signals that regulate breathing (central sleep apnea).
Step-by-step explanation:
Sleep apnea is the sleep disorder characterized by pauses in breathing that last at least 10 seconds during sleep. It occurs when an individual's airway becomes blocked during sleep, preventing air from entering the lungs. There are two types of sleep apnea: obstructive sleep apnea, which is caused by physical blockage of airflow, and central sleep apnea, which is caused by disruptions in the brain signals that regulate breathing.