What condition is characterized by an obstruction of the upper airways during sleep?

Sleep apnea is characterized by repeated interruptions in breathing during sleep due to an obstruction of the upper airways. This can occur when the muscles in the throat relax excessively, leading to a closure of the airways and preventing air from reaching the lungs. Individuals with sleep apnea often experience fragmented sleep and may awaken suddenly gasping for air, which can result in daytime fatigue and other health issues.

In contrast, asthma primarily involves inflammation and constriction of the airways but does not specifically relate to sleep disturbances caused by airway obstruction during sleep. Croup is a condition that affects the upper airways, particularly in children, typically due to viral infection, but it does not specifically relate to sleep and is characterized more by a barking cough and stridor. Pneumonia, on the other hand, is an infection of the lungs that leads to inflammation and fluid in the air sacs, impacting breathing but not specifically tied to sleep patterns or upper airway obstruction during sleep.