What syndrome involves automatic respiratory functions not working, requiring a ventilator during sleep?

The correct answer relates to a rare condition known as Ondine's Curse, which is also referred to as congenital central hypoventilation syndrome (CCHS). This syndrome is characterized by the inability of the body to automatically regulate breathing during sleep, leading to a significant risk of hypoventilation and, consequently, low levels of oxygen in the bloodstream. Individuals with Ondine's Curse are often asymptomatic during wakefulness and may not exhibit breathing difficulties while alert, but they are unable to initiate breaths automatically during sleep. As a result, they require the use of a mechanical ventilator or positive pressure device during sleep to ensure adequate ventilation and oxygenation.

In contrast, sleep apnea involves intermittent cessation of breathing during sleep due to obstruction or other factors, but it typically does not require mechanical ventilation unless it is severe and untreated. Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a progressive lung disease that primarily results in persistent respiratory symptoms and airflow limitation but does not specifically affect automatic respiratory function during sleep as Ondine's Curse does. Asthma is a condition characterized by airway inflammation and hyper-responsiveness, leading to breathing difficulties, but it does not specifically involve the loss of automatic respiratory control during sleep.