The neural networks controlling vital functions such as breathing are embedded in the brain, the neural and chemical environment of which changes with state, i.e., wakefulness, non-rapid eye movement (non-REM) sleep and REM sleep, and with commonly administered drugs such as anaesthetics, sedatives and ethanol. One particular output from the state-dependent chemical brain is the focus of attention in this paper; the motor output to the muscles of the tongue, specifically the actions of state-dependent modulators acting at the hypoglossal motor pool. Determining the mechanisms underlying the modulation of the hypoglossal motor output during sleep is relevant to understanding the spectrum of increased upper airway resistance, airflow limitation, hypoventilation and airway obstructions that occur during natural and drug-influenced sleep in humans. Understanding the mechanisms underlying upper airway dysfunction in sleep-disordered breathing is also important given the large and growing prevalence of obstructive sleep apnea syndrome which constitutes a major public health problem with serious clinical, social and economic consequences.

中文翻译：

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舌头及其依赖于睡眠状态的调制器的控制。

控制诸如呼吸等重要功能的神经网络嵌入大脑中，其神经和化学环境随状态（即觉醒，快速眼动（non-REM）睡眠和REM睡眠）以及常用药物而变化。例如麻醉剂，镇静剂和乙醇。来自依赖状态的化学大脑的一种特殊输出是本文关注的焦点。电机输出到舌头的肌肉，特别是依赖状态的调制器在舌下运动池中的动作。确定睡眠过程中舌下运动输出调节的机制与理解人体上呼吸和药物影响的睡眠中上呼吸道阻力增加，气流受限，通气不足和呼吸道阻塞有关。