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Sleep-related smoking syndrome
F Provini1, R Vetrugno, P Montagna
1Department of Neurological Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy. federica.provini@unibo.it
Sleep Medicine
|February 23, 2008
Summary
This study reports on six patients experiencing sleep-related compulsive smoking and eating driven by an inner urge. Video-polysomnography revealed increased arousal index during normal sleep structure in these cases.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Sleep Medicine
- Behavioral Science
Background:
- Sleep-related eating disorder (SRED) and Nocturnal Eating Syndrome (NES) are recognized conditions.
- The co-occurrence of compulsive smoking with sleep-related eating has not been previously documented.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe a series of patients presenting with sleep-associated compulsive smoking and/or eating.
- To investigate the sleep patterns associated with these behaviors.
Main Methods:
- Case series describing six patients with the described symptoms.
- Video-polysomnography (VPSG) was conducted on three of the affected patients.
Main Results:
- VPSG showed normal sleep architecture in the patients studied.
- An increased arousal index was observed during sleep.
Conclusions:
- The association between sleep-related compulsive eating and compulsive smoking is a novel finding.
- These episodes appear to be driven by an "inner" urge, suggesting a potential neurobiological basis requiring further investigation.
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