Sleep in detoxified alcoholics: impairment of most standard sleep parameters and increased risk for sleep apnea, but not for myoclonias--a controlled study.
OBJECTIVE
To assess recently alcohol-abstinent chronic alcoholic patients for selected parameters indicative of sleep quality.


METHODS
Patients (n = 24, 14 male), abstinent 3-6 weeks, and healthy controls (n = 20) were admitted to a clinical sleep unit. Measurements included sleep respiratory events and periodic limb movements, using strict methodology.


RESULTS
Clear signs of sleep deterioration and a high prevalence of apneic/hypopneic episodes were observed. Apneas were found at the same frequency for men and women; this has not been described before. No periodic limb movement was found.


CONCLUSIONS
Considering the high degree of morbidity and mortality observed in sleep apneic syndrome, systematic screening for sleep apneas is recommended for alcoholics seeking help.
Le Bon
O
O
Université Libre de Bruxelles, Hôpital Universitaire Brugmann, Service de Psychiatrie et de Psychologie Médicale, Belgium.
Verbanck
P
P
Hoffmann
G
G
Murphy
J R
JR
Staner
L
L
De Groote
D
D
Mampunza
S
S
Den Dulk
A
A
Vacher
C
C
Kornreich
C
C
Pelc
I
I
D000328:Adult; D000437:Alcoholism / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009207:Myoclonus / Q000209:etiology*; D010343:Patient Admission; D017286:Polysomnography; D012148:Restless Legs Syndrome / Q000209:etiology; D012307:Risk Factors; D012891:Sleep Apnea Syndromes / Q000209:etiology*; D012893:Sleep Wake Disorders / Q000209:etiology*