Described is a method of inhibiting central apnea, central hypopnea or obstructive sleep apnea in a mammal. The method includes the step of administering to a mammal a central apnea inhibitory-effective, central hypopnea inhibitory-effective or obstructive sleep apnea inhibitory-effective amount of a composition comprising at least one retinoid or retinoid or retinoic acid receptor agonist.