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.

[KatEyes]

I'm a little confused - you say you have come to the conclusion you have alpha wave intrusion. Is that what your sleep study showed and your doctor said? What was on your sleep study report of significance?

[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.

[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.