Posted by Sandman on May 13, 2008 at 12:56:37:In Reply to: Alpha Intrusions posted by faceless041974 on May 08, 2008 at 16:24:29:
First alpha occurs when we are awake with our eyes closed. Eyes open no alpha.
What you are describing is alpha delta sleep, not alpha intrusion. Alpha intrusion will occur in any stage of sleep and is typically short bursts of alpha. In alpha delta sleep the alpha, riding on top of the slow delta waves, can be continuous. It is also a slower alpha frequency than your waking alpha.
I've seen several cases of alpha delta sleep and the alpha doesn't typically wake the patient up, it just causes the sleep to be not as refreshing.
There are several causes for alpha delta sleep. Pain problems and pain disorders are high on the list along with fibromyalgia, psychiatric disorders, post traumatic stress syndrome, chronic fatigue syndrome, etc.
If you are waking up a lot during the night then it points to alpha intrusion which is usually caused by a sleep disorder. UARS, which is typically not detected during a sleep study, or other problems that are causing your sleep to be lighter than normal.
I am not a doc and without seeing the sleep study and your medical records I can't say what is going on. The above is just my opinion.
Best wishes,
Sandman