AP Psychology Practice Test

Which sleep disorder is characterized by uncontrollable sleep attacks?

1. Insomnia

2. Narcolepsy

3. Sleep apnea

4. Night terrors

The correct answer is: Narcolepsy

The sleep disorder characterized by uncontrollable sleep attacks is narcolepsy. This condition involves periods of excessive daytime sleepiness that can lead to suddenly falling asleep at inappropriate times, such as while talking, eating, or even driving. Individuals with narcolepsy may experience these sleep attacks without warning, and they can last from a few seconds to several minutes. This disorder is also often associated with other symptoms, such as cataplexy, which is a sudden loss of muscle tone triggered by strong emotions, and hallucinations or sleep paralysis during transitions between wakefulness and sleep. In contrast, insomnia refers to difficulty falling or staying asleep but does not involve sudden sleep attacks. Sleep apnea is characterized by interrupted breathing during sleep, leading to waking up frequently but not necessarily feeling uncontrollably sleepy during the day. Night terrors occur during non-REM sleep, typically in children, and involve intense fear and panic, but they do not result in sudden sleep episodes during the day. Thus, narcolepsy is the correct answer based on its defining features.