Alpha Wave Intrusion

[cryuncle]

After years of struggling with insomnia, I have come to the conclusion I have Alpha Wave Intrusion. Unaided by medication I sleep only for 15-20 minutes out of 8 hours. I have done everything under the sun as far as trying to beat this without meds. Now, I must take one of the hypnotic's to get any sleep at all.

Question is, anyone else effected by Alpha Wave Intrusion? If so, what do you do/take to help? Can this condition be reversed or at least relieved?

My sleep Doc is not much help, he just writes more meds. He has tried in the past to get a patient on xyrem but was unsuccessful and would not even try to procure it for me.

I understand there is a new class of sleep drug that has been through all the clinical trials and will be submitted to the FDA this year for a NDA. It is said to work on a completely different GABA receptor than what is currently available. I sure am looking forward to trying this out.

[happygirl666]

I have Alpah Wave Intrusion for 2 years and have suffered terribly.  My dr. just recently talked me into trying Trezadone.  He suggested that I take it to a pharmacy that would break it down into 5mg capsules, because the lowest dosage of 50 mg was just too much for me.  

I have been taking the lower dosage coupled with 10 mg of Melatonin and it seems to be working pretty good.  There doesn't seem to much to do about this disorder and it really is tough.

[Kim459]

I have been diagnosed with alpha wave intrustion since 2002.  I have used a number of things to help me.  The medication that I use the most is trazodone.  It is an anti depressent with a sedative quality.  Many people use this medication for other sleep issues.  I have found that I am less tired in the daytime and that I am able to sleep better, and I am able to fall asleep sooner.  It has also helped with the depression that goes with not being able to sleep enough or with good quatilty.  Anybody have any other good things to say about it?  I would love to know about others expreinces.  Kim F.

[ioh00000]

Please email me to discuss sleep issues.  I have struggle horribly for over 9 years.  I have been to hell with this.  I've made some progress, but still struggle horribly.  Would love to know how you are doing now, and share with you what has worked (somewhat) for me.

[jdln]

I found your post while googling, I hope you dont mind me messaging you. I also have alpha wave intrusion although not as bad as yourself. Have you had any luck with treating this? Meditation helps me a bit but its far from a cure.

Thanks

[KatEyes]

I really feel for you. Several years of inadequate sleep has had to take a toll on you, and I would imagine your health. I tolerated my sleep issues too long and it cost me dearly. I waited on insurance, then waited for a "good" time, then waited till I felt more like being bothered. Now I have nothing but time as I am unable to work and I'm barely functional. Sleep is so necessary to life and health. If necessary for you to wait on Medicare, then it is what it is, But the cost of waiting may be higher. It would be a shame to keep suffering if you may not have to. Please, if you feel yourself slipping, don't wait any longer. Hopefully you'll have something treatable. I've heard alpha wave intrusion can be stubborn.

[cryuncle]

I had a sleep study several years ago. The results pointed to numerous awakenings throughout the night with only 43 minutes out of 360 asleep. No REM. This study was done in my home not a clinical environment. My current sleep doc seems unphased by the results and wants to do another. I will reach Medicare in 2 1/2 years and am trying to postpone the huge expense prior to that time.

Based on my sleep fragility and various other issues dealing with my sleep, the Alpha Wave thing has been suggested. I, myself, am more of less convinced this is my problem.