This pattern mostly occurs during sleep, particularly stage one and stage two non-REM sleep, but can also occur while awake. People who are asleep or on sedative medication are unlikely to be aware of their breathing pattern. Cheyne-Stokes breathing tends to be worse when people sleep on their backs.

How long can Cheyne-Stokes breathing go on for?

Breathing rhythms

One of the breathing rhythm changes is called Cheyne-Stokes breathing; a cycle of anywhere from 30 seconds to two minutes where the dying person's breathing deepens and speeds up, then gets shallower and shallower until it stops.

What is the cause of Cheyne-Stokes?

Causes of Cheyne Stokes breathing

Cheyne Stokes is usually related to heart failure or stroke. It may also be caused by: brain tumors. traumatic brain injuries.