1. A method for the detection and treatment of disordered breathing during sleep employing an artificial neural network (ANN) in which data related to breathing gas flow are analyzed, comprising: placing a mask with a tube over a patient's airway, the mask being in communication with a source of a pressurized breathing gas controlled by a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) system, thereby establishing a respiratory circuit; periodically sampling the gas flow in the circuit; periodically calculating values for one or several parameters distinctive of various breathing patterns; periodically feeding said parameter values to an ANN trained to recognize breathing patterns characteristic of sleep disordered breathing; analyzing said parameter values in the neural network; controlling pressurized breathing gas supply in response to the output from said ANN.