[Long-term analysis of respiration in sleep].

We completed polysomnography and complementary measurement of the oesophageal pressure and airflow in 6 subjects (2 volunteers, 4 patients with sleep-related breathing disorder). The evaluation of the physiological parameters of the breathing over the whole night showed a strong correlation between the pressure-time product and the work of breathing. Our results revealed distinct differences between the parameters of the breathing mechanics in volunteers versus in patients. The continuous long-term analysis of respiration during sleep may contribute to reveal further pathological mechanisms of the respiratory system.