BIOT'S RESPIRATION is an abnormal pattern of breathing characterized by groups of quick, shallow inspirations followed by regular or irregular periods of apnea CHEYNE STOKES RESPIRATION is an abnormal pattern of breathing characterized by progressively deeper and sometimes faster breathing, followed by a gradual decrease that results in a temporary stop in breathing called an apnea. Biot's respiration is often clinically equivalent to Cheyne-Stokes respiration.