Smoking-Induced Disturbed Sleep. A Distinct Sleep-Related Disorder Pattern?

The relationship between smoking and sleep disorders has not been investigated sufficiently yet. Many aspects, especially regarding non-obstructive sleep apnea-hypopnea (OSA)-related disorders, are still to be addressed. All adult patients who visited a tertiary sleep clinic and provided information about their smoking history were included in this cross-sectional study. In total, 4347 patients were divided into current, former and never smokers, while current and former smokers were also grouped, forming a group of ever smokers. Sleep-related characteristics, derived from questionnaires and sleep studies, were compared between those groups. Ever smokers presented with significantly greater body mass index (BMI), neck and waist circumference and with increased frequency of metabolic and cardiovascular co-morbidities compared to never smokers. They also presented significantly higher apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) compared to never smokers (34.4 +/- 24.6 events/h vs. 31.7 +/- 23.6 events/h, p < 0.001) and were diagnosed more frequently with severe and moderate OSA (50.3% vs. 46.9% and 26.2% vs. 24.8% respectively). Epworth sleepiness scale (ESS) (p = 0.13) did not differ between groups. Ever smokers, compared to never smokers, presented more frequent episodes of sleep talking (30.8% vs. 26.6%, p = 0.004), abnormal movements (31.1% vs. 27.7%, p = 0.021), restless sleep (59.1% vs. 51.6%, p < 0.001) and leg movements (p = 0.002) during sleep. Those were more evident in current smokers and correlated significantly with increasing AHI. These significant findings suggest the existence of a smoking-induced disturbed sleep pattern.

Automated summary

The relationship between smoking and sleep disorders, especially non-obstructive sleep apnea-related disorders, needs further investigation. This study compared sleep-related characteristics between smokers and non-smokers and found that smokers had higher body mass index, neck and waist circumference, and a higher frequency of metabolic and cardiovascular co-morbidities. They also had a higher apnea-hypopnea index and were more likely to be diagnosed with severe and moderate sleep apnea. Smokers also experienced more frequent episodes of sleep talking, abnormal movements, restless sleep, and leg movements during sleep.