Which term describes a medical condition where breathing temporarily stops during sleep?

The term that describes a medical condition where breathing temporarily stops during sleep is sleep apnea. This condition is characterized by repeated interruptions in breathing due to the throat muscles inappropriately relaxing and obstructing the airway. These interruptions can occur multiple times throughout the night, leading to disrupted sleep and a variety of health issues, including daytime fatigue, cardiovascular problems, and impaired cognitive function.

In contrast, narcolepsy involves excessive daytime sleepiness and sudden sleep attacks, insomnia refers to difficulty falling or staying asleep, and parasomnia includes abnormal behaviors or experiences during sleep, such as sleepwalking or night terrors. While all these conditions affect sleep, sleep apnea specifically relates to the cessation of breathing during sleep, making it the correct choice in this context.