[Physiology of ventilatory regulation during sleep].

During light slow-wave sleep, ventilation is principally regulated by automatic metabolic control system. An instability in the respiratory control may be the predominant disturbance leading to very irregular or periodic breathing. During deep sleep, ventilation is progressively more stable. During REM sleep, automatic regulation is abolished and ventilation is particularly dependent on the compartmental control system. The reduction in airways and respiratory muscles tone favors the occurrence of obstructive apneas. The elevation in arousal threshold leads prolongation of the obstructive events.