Abstract: An embodiment in accordance with the present invention provides a device for whole-body plethysmography (WBP) of a mouse for the continuous characterization of sleep and breathing. The inherent limitations of standard WBP are addressed to enable the continuous recording of validated measures of tidal volume, tidal airflow, and respiratory effort surrogate in an unrestrained, unanesthetized mouse. The addition of standard EEG and EMG recording technology allows for respiratory patterns to be fully characterized during sleep and wakefulness. The present invention also allows for the demonstration of the development of dynamic upper airway obstruction [inspiratory flow limitation (IFL)] during sleep in a susceptible, obese murine strain.