What is Cheyne-Stokes breathing characterized by?

Cheyne-Stokes breathing is distinctive for its waxing and waning pattern in airflow volume. This breathing pattern is marked by a gradual increase in tidal volume followed by a decrease, culminating in a period of apnea. It typically presents as a cyclical pattern where the breaths become progressively deeper and then shallower before a brief pause, repeating this cycle several times. This type of respiration is often seen in conditions such as heart failure, stroke, or during sleep in certain populations. The characteristic nature of Cheyne-Stokes breathing makes it an important pattern to recognize in polysomnography, indicating potential underlying health issues that may need further exploration.