Final answer:
Mr. Dayton suffers from sleep apnea, a condition marked by pauses in breathing during sleep leading to snoring and repeated awakening, hence answer a) sleep apnea is correct.
Step-by-step explanation:
Based on the description provided, Mr. Dayton exhibits signs of sleep apnea, which is a disorder characterized by pauses in breathing during sleep. This can be due to a physical blockage in the airway, often leading to snoring and repeated waking to gasp for air. The correct answer to the question is a) sleep apnea. Sleep apnea is more commonly recognized by other individuals witnessing episodes rather than the sufferers themselves, who may not fully awaken to remember the disruptions.
It's important to note that sleep apnea is different from night terrors, which involve a sense of panic and typically occur during the NREM phase of sleep. Aphasia is a condition that affects the ability to communicate, not applicable here. Narcolepsy involves excessive daytime sleepiness and sudden sleep attacks, which does not match Mr. Dayton's symptoms. Lastly, insomnia, characterized by difficulty falling or staying asleep, is not exhibited in this scenario.