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. 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.