A method for modifying the breathing of a patient while the patient is experiencing sleep apnea, for example Cheyne Stokes breathing. An instantaneous pulmonary ventilation of a patient is monitored. Limit cycle behavior of the instantaneous pulmonary ventilation is identified. A transient intervention is applied to the patient during a phase of a limit cycle of the instantaneous pulmonary ventilation. The transient intervention has an effect on a breathing state of the patient.
