Citation

Le Bon O, Verbanck P, Hoffmann G, Murphy JR, Staner L, De Groote D, Mampunza S, Den Dulk A, Vacher C, Kornreich C, Pelc I. J. Stud. Alcohol 1997; 58(1): 30-36.

Affiliation

Université Libre de Bruxelles, Hôpital Universitaire Brugmann, Service de Psychiatrie et de Psychologie Médicale, Belgium.

Copyright

(Copyright © 1997, Rutgers Center of Alcohol Studies)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

8979211

Abstract

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.

Language: en