This respiratory pattern during sleep is characterized by a highly irregular rhythm, varying in rate and amplitude, as originally described by MC Biot. There are a few scattered central apneas with a "cluster" pattern.
From: Correa D, Farney RJ, Chung F, et al. Chronic opioid use and central sleep apnea: A review of the prevalence, mechanisms, and perioperative considerations. Anesth Analg 2015; 120:1273. DOI:
10.1213/ANE.0000000000000672. Copyright © 2015 International Anesthesia Research Society. Reproduced with permission from Wolters Kluwer Health. Unauthorized reproduction of this material is prohibited.