There is increasing evidence that nighttime assisted ventilation has a number of other benefits as well, such as allowing our muscles to rest and recuperate so we feel stronger during the day. Although most of us with neuromuscular disease don't know it, nighttime assisted ventilation is a must when the disease weakens the respiratory muscles. Nighttime assisted ventilation is not the beginning of the end. It is the beginning. Definitions Alveolar refers to the alveoli in the lung, the air sacs that must receive fresh air with each breath.
Apnea is when no ventilation occurs at all.