[Chronobiological viewpoints of respiratory regulation]

Control of breathing is ruled by autonomous and behavioural necessities as well. These adaptive functions are realized by temporally structured processes, which are described, analyzed, and functionally estimated by means of the methods of chronobiology. Chronobiological labels like circadian/ultradian, internal clock, Zeitgeber, coordination, entrainment, and resetting are given as examples from sleep, wake, physical strain, and pathophysiology. They are compared to their corresponding functions in respiratory control. Disturbances in chronobiological indicators reveal functional and sleep regulating disorders.