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Electroencephalographic sleep and mood during cocaine withdrawal
R A Kowatch1, S S Schnoll, J S Knisely
1Department of Psychiatry, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas 75235-9070.
Journal of Addictive Diseases
|January 1, 1992
Summary
This study reveals significant sleep disturbances in cocaine withdrawal patients, including altered REM sleep and insomnia-like patterns. Mood and cravings improved by week three, but sleep issues persisted.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Sleep Medicine
- Addiction Psychiatry
Background:
- Cocaine use disorder is a significant public health issue.
- Sleep disturbances are common during substance withdrawal.
- Understanding sleep alterations in cocaine withdrawal is crucial for effective treatment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate sleep patterns and their relationship with mood and craving in patients undergoing inpatient cocaine withdrawal.
- To characterize changes in sleep architecture and continuity during the first three weeks of withdrawal.
Main Methods:
- Polysomnography was used to record sleep in nine patients aged 21-39 during their first three weeks of inpatient cocaine treatment.
- Daily mood ratings, cocaine craving scores, and sleep logs were collected concurrently.
Main Results:
- During the first week of withdrawal, patients exhibited shortened REM latency, increased REM sleep percentage, high REM density, and prolonged total sleep time.
- By week three, REM latencies remained short and REM sleep percentage was increased.
- Sleep continuity deteriorated by week three, showing long sleep latency, increased wake time after sleep onset, and poor sleep efficiency, resembling chronic insomnia.
Conclusions:
- Cocaine withdrawal is associated with profound and persistent sleep disturbances, including REM sleep alterations and disrupted sleep continuity.
- While mood and cocaine craving significantly decrease by week three, sleep problems continue, suggesting a need for targeted sleep interventions in addiction treatment.