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Sleep in Detoxified Alcoholics: Impairment of Most Standard Sleep Parameters and Increased Risk for Sleep Apnea, but not for Myoclonias--A Controlled Study
O. Le Bon, P. Verbanck, G. Hoffmann, J.R. Murphy, L. Staner, D. de Groote, S. Mampunza, A. Den Dulk, C. Vacher, Ch. Kornreich, I. Pelc
Objective: To assess recently alcohol-abstinent chronic alcoholic patients for selected parameters indicative of sleep quality. Method: 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. (J. Stud. Alcohol 58: 30-36 1997)
